Timekeeper Falling

By Allyssa Painter

One day changed everything. Once, Iris Ankea lived a normal, relatively safe life. Now she’s on the run, hiding from a virtually unstoppable group of fallen angels intent on murdering her solely for her birthright as the Timekeeper, the only person powerful enough to defeat them. She must garner support and build an army, preparing for the battle to save, or end, the world, all while trying to stay hidden and alive. Danger lurks in every shadow, but the biggest danger of all may be to her heart. Can Iris Ankea save the world and survive the battle prophesied to kill her, or will Sage Atroxé break her heart and end her life?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Allyssa Painter
• Release date: Dec 1, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311541307

Allyssa Painter

Allyssa Painter currently resides in Charleston, West Virginia when she is not attending Concord University, where she majors in Elementary and Special Education. In her spare time, she loves to visit with her chaotic family, explore exciting places in novels, and create new worlds in her writing.

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Timekeeper Falling

The Timekeeper Duo – Book 2

Allyssa Painter

Copyright © 2015, Allyssa Painter.

Smashwords Edition

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

For Josiah Beane, a guardian angel, and for his parents, J.d. and Amanda. You inspire me.

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Epilogue

Chapter 1

The bad dreams never had stopped. She pretended they had, but they’d only worsened. She saw them awake now, as well as sleeping. She hadn’t told Zander. It was one of the few secrets she’d ever kept from him. She couldn’t tell him. Every time she told him of a dream, he freaked out on her and yelled for hours that she had to make it stop. Like she saw these horrific scenes on purpose.

The latest dream was one she’d seen before, but more detailed. She’d started seeing it ten years ago, at age five. Now, at fifteen, she knew the whole thing by heart. It was a scene of her death, one where her best friend, Danny, screamed at some strange man. Sage, Danny called him, had killed her and the man apologized, called her Ris, and begged her to live. She didn’t understand any of it, but she knew her death was creeping ever closer. She and Danny looked a couple years older than they currently were, maybe sixteen or seventeen.

When she’d first seen the dreams, Iris had been terrified. But now, ten years later, she just felt disappointed. Disappointed that her dreams wouldn’t come true, that she’d never lead a revolution or stop the Shunned, that she’d never be allowed to read in peace, with everyone knowing. Disappointed that she would never see her brother Zander again, that she would never apologize to him for ruining his life, that she’d never again tell him she loved him. Disappointed that this world she thought she could change or save, had only destroyed her. Disappointed, but not terrified.

This wasn’t new to her, this waking in the middle of the night after watching, once again, the scene of her death. What was new was the feeling that she shouldn’t stop it, even if she could. She doubted she could, since she had never changed a single vision she’d seen. She’d never succeeded before and doubted she would now, but even if she could, she instinctively felt that she shouldn’t. She wondered at and loathed the feeling, but what could she do? If some supernatural being intended for her to die, what could, or should, she do but die? She was going to die. Iris Ankea was going to die, and there was nothing she could or should do to stop it.

***

"Mom?" The word echoed through Iris’s mind and heart. She tried not to believe what her mind told her, that the woman who stood on those stairs was truly her mother, the angel that had slept with the devil’s son. Fortunately, she did not have to dwell on these thoughts. A blow to her already wounded ribs knocked her back into reality quickly enough. Wheezing and sick, Iris thanked the God she didn’t believe in that her opponent had dropped his weapon before he struck her. Immediately, she swung on the man, knocking him away from her with a solid hit, although she used the pommel of the dagger rather than the blade.

As her opponent regained his breath and stance, as well as his weapon, Iris sighed and moved to face him once more. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Sage, fighting in hand-to-hand combat without a weapon of any sort. She preferred their odds, all of their odds, with hand-to-hand when they fisted a knife, but she had to trust that if anyone could hold his or her own in such a battle, Sage could. Besides, it wasn’t like she was in any position to help him at the moment. She was a little preoccupied with her own battle. Speaking of which, she wished this man would tire.

Iris reached forward to once again knock her opponent aside, but she never had the chance. Instead, someone grabbed her arm. Alarmed, she slammed her elbow backward, attempting to make contact with her captor. Her elbow thumped into soft stomach and her captor doubled-forward. However, the opponent she had been fighting grabbed her other arm and disarmed her while she fought the captor. Panic seeped in and Iris immediately thrashed around. It had the benefit of knocking both enemies’ holds ajar long enough for Iris to slip away. She immediately executed a sweeping kick to knock her first opponent off his feet, before turning to meet her captor. And there, behind her, holding a dagger to her sister-in-law’s throat, stood Iris’s mother.

Mother, how kind of you to join us, Iris said, her voice eerily calm. She stood a few feet away from the woman, a stolen pistol in her hand. She’d nicked it off one of her many attackers during the battle. Now she grabbed the opponent she’d incapacitated and held the pistol to his temple. Release her. Now.

The woman, Arella, stared at Iris, frozen. Mother? Who do you think you are, child? She had tightened her grip on Sara as Iris grabbed the man nearest her. Sara squirmed under Arella’s hold, occasionally nicking her throat on the blade. Blood oozed out of her shoulder and down her body. She stood with most of her weight on her right foot, as if she’d injured her left.

Iris smiled grimly. You fail as a mother. You don’t even recognize your own daughter. At least Marcello recognized me. He sought me out. Apparently, you, however, are trying to kill me. Awesome! Like I need more enemies. Some mother you are. Her knuckles turned white on the gun. She had no desire to shoot this poor man, but she would do anything to save her sister-in-law, and she couldn’t think of much else that would save Sara. She knew she had to do something soon, but she had yet to fathom what.

Around the two women and their captives, the fighting had stopped. Everyone stood watching the two of them. Iris cast her eyes around at her friends. She tried not to wince at the blood dripping from Cassian’s left hand. She had no idea what happened to it, but she knew it had to hurt. Even with the wound on his hand, Cassian stood silently, holding one man in a wristlock, with his right foot pinning another down on the floor. His left hand, even with the wound and the blood, clutched a pistol that Iris wasn’t sure who owned. She couldn’t remember if he’d originally carried it or if it was one he’d picked off someone else.

On the other hand, Sage was not in nearly as good of a situation. In fact, he was a lot worse off. While he did not drip any blood, his opponent held him in a chokehold while he nursed a wrist that appeared to be bent at an odd angle. He still stared stonily forward, but his eyes betrayed a pain that was barely hidden. Around them, five bodies were unconscious and eleven more opponents stood, pointing various weapons at Iris and her friends.

A response from Arella startled Iris enough to bring her eyes back to her mother. You can’t be my daughter. If you were, your brother would be with you and my friends would never have attacked. I described Zander to them in great detail. They wouldn’t have attacked him and he would never allow his sister into any danger without him, so you cannot possibly be my daughter. You may look like her, but you cannot be her.

The captive Iris held winced as her grip tightened. Maybe he wouldn’t, if the Shunned hadn’t captured him years ago. He gave himself up to protect me, and I refuse to allow anyone willing to ruin that sacrifice into his house. Since you and your minions clearly do not want me protected, leave. Now. She tried to calm herself down, but fury fueled her. Sara, Cassian, and Sage had all been hurt because of her, because these people were searching for her. Her mother had harmed them. Her own mother. Iris’s grip on her weapon tightened even further, to the point where she’d shoot her captive if she tightened much further. Her knuckles were white on the pistol, and her captive would surely sport bruises from her grip, if he lived.

As Iris watched, some of the fervor in her mother faded away. Arella dropped her head in what appeared to be grief and released Sara, who instantly stumbled forward toward Iris. Iris quickly stepped forward, dragging her captive with her. Once she reached Sara, Iris stepped in front of her sister-in-law and started backing up, pushing Sara back with her body. Release them and stow your weapons, Arella said quietly, defeat clear in her voice.

Her minions obliged, all of them putting away their various forms of weaponry while the man who held Sage released him. Sage swiftly joined Iris and Sara, standing beside Iris despite the fact that she repeatedly tried to step in front of him. Cassian also moved over to join them, standing behind Sara with his back to her, thereby covering her back in case someone tried to sneak up on the group. I want you to leave, Iris replied quietly, her voice steady and strong, a calmness that was almost scary in its deadness.

Arella appeared to crumble before them, but still stood standing. Lucinda? she asked. Iris nodded, her lips pressed into a grim line. Arella looked past her, to where Sara stood behind Iris, barely peeking out over her shoulder. And the woman I held? Sara, I presume? Again, Iris merely nodded, waiting. And Zander is gone? Again, Iris nodded, her grip on her captive tightening imperceptibly.

Sage glanced at her, alarmed. Carefully, he reached for the weapon in her hand. Ris, let me hold that for you, okay? I’ll keep it aimed on her. It will be fine. Iris resisted for a moment, but slowly nodded and loosened her grip, allowing Sage to take the pistol from her hand. He pointed it at Arella.

Arella barely even glanced at the lethal weapon pointed at her, but she did narrow her eyes at the exchange between Sage and her daughter. She looked back over at Sara and Iris particularly. And Nathaniel? she asked. Where is he? Is he doing any better? I haven’t seen Zander in so long, I haven’t heard much about my grandson.

He is not your grandson, you insolent- Iris started, but Sara put a hand on her shoulder to calm her and Iris stopped mid-rant. She started again, her voice slightly calmer, but still livid. Don’t you know? You work in heaven. Your boss stole him from us! Don’t you know? she asked, her voice a normal volume with razor sharp fury.

Arella did not respond immediately. She sank to the ground, holding her head in my hand. He’s… He’s dead?

Iris didn’t answer. Her captive was turning white from her hold. Sage debated between stepping forward toward Arella to come between her and Iris and relieving Iris of her captive. He locked eyes with her, conveying a silent thought without telepathy, with looks alone. She stared back until he nodded and stepped closer to her. He gently rested a hand on her shoulder for a moment, long enough to calm her enough that she loosened her hold. Then, he passed the pistol to his bad hand and relieved her of her captive.

Once Iris had calmed slightly, Sage shoved Sara completely behind Iris and stepped slightly in front of the women. He stood to the right and forward of Iris, protecting her, but not shielding her or interfering with the interaction. He wanted to protect her, but still provide her strength and independence. He wanted to fortify her, more than anything else, though the truth that Arella’s army outnumbered them and could easily harm Iris sickened him.

All the while, Arella simply watched, mutely, waiting for Iris to answer her. Leave, Iris repeated. The cold calm in her voice chilled Sage, but he trusted her. She could handle this herself and she wanted to. He would let her and step in only when asked or required. He was content to stand there, pistol raised and ready to protect her, the captive still in his left arm. He held the man with one arm looped tightly around the attacker, his arms pressed into his sides by the force of Sage’s one arm. It was a simple but effective tactic.

The woman, Arella, blinked. But, Lucinda, I am your mother. Why would I leave?

Iris took a step forward toward the woman before her, her fury radiating off her in waves. Sage stepped with her, letting her take the lead but staying by her side. He drug his captive with them as they walked. First off, my name is Iris, not Lucinda, Iris began. She continued with venom in her voice. You’re no mother of mine and certainly not of my brother’s. A mother does not abandon her son or daughter. She doesn’t allow her son to give up his childhood to raise his little sister. She doesn’t watch him give his life for that sister, even knowing that all this time, he had raised her like a lamb to slaughter. A mother cares for her children, showers them in love, protects them from harm, and certainly doesn’t pay attention to them only as a way to end a war. So no, you’re no mother of mine. And I will not ask you again. Leave this house and do it now.

Iris knew it was not entirely fair to treat her mother this way, especially not after she had accepted Marcello into her life, at least to a degree. But at the same time, she couldn’t believe this woman had allowed her people to come in and attack Zander’s home and the people who lived in it. What had she expected to find? And then, even after Iris identified herself, Arella had not recognized her own daughter. So Iris could not help but feel furious with this woman, this mother, who had not only used her brother, but endangered his family and did not even recognize her.

A shudder ran through the room at Iris’s words and Sara released a whimper. Iris glanced back at her and felt pity for it, but said nothing. Instead, she faced the woman who’d never been a mother to her and waited for her to leave. The woman shook her head, stubbornly refusing. She did not appear nearly as upset as Sage expected. Luc-- A sigh issued from Arella. Iris, I am your mother, like it or not. I’ve done the best I could to protect you and Zander. I… I had no idea the Shunned had captured him. I should have paid more attention. How did I miss this? He said to stop visiting so much. He said people would be suspicious. He said Iris would find out if I kept coming. He said Iris was a smart girl and if we wanted to keep her in the dark I shouldn’t come. I thought he made a good point and I did want it hidden from Iris. I shouldn’t have listened to him. Why did I listen to him?" She spoke as if she forgot she stood in a crowded room.

Did you ever think Zander didn’t want it hidden from Iris? Did you ever think maybe he wanted you to visit and thought telling you not to in order to hide it would bring you to actually revealing yourself to your daughter? Sara asked suddenly, her voice loud and strong.

Sage, however, had picked up on a different point, even while Iris stood quietly glaring at her mother. Hang on. You said you expected Zander to lead the group out, not Iris. If you cared about either of them and expected them to be here, why would you allow your minions to fire on them? Iris glanced at him sharply, knowledge in her eyes. He winced at the renewed fire in them, wishing he hadn’t fostered the lust for blood Iris had been allowing to burn out. He had to ask, though, for Iris’s safety. So instead, he offered her a tight smile and hoped she’d handle this well.

Arella glanced up at Sage, almost as if she acknowledged him for the first time. Like I said before, I described Zander in great detail to them. They had orders not to attack if they saw him anywhere and to call me. I cleared the upstairs while they made their way downstairs. I expected him to have a hidden bunker or panic room somewhere in the house. After all, I suggested it when Marcello found him this land.

Iris opened her mouth to speak, but Sage beat her to it. Your husband found him this land. You told him to build a bunker to protect him, his wife, and his little sister. Then you tried to kill the people inside it, including his wife and sister, when we left the bunker. Good idea. Great job. And you expect her to want to be near you? No. I don’t think so. She wants you to leave. So do it.

Arella sighed once more. Sage couldn’t help but admire her beauty and poise, but she had nothing on Iris. He expected Iris to be angry that he defended her, but she smiled gratefully at him. He wondered if she had actually allowed Zander to protect her when he was around or if she had ever actually leaned on anyone. He guessed she probably hadn’t. That idea bothered him on a level he didn’t want to evaluate at the moment.

After a long pause, Arella gathered her strength and stood strong. I didn’t expect Zander to ever leave Iris. He was so dedicated to her. I don’t know who will care for her now. More to the point, I’m sorry if any of you were hurt, but it seems like my people are worse for the wear. I’m here to help you. We’ve watched hunters scour this land for you for a week. Now we need to find you somewhere safe.

I don’t need or want your help. I can do this on my own. Or, rather, with my friends and the people who care for me. You clearly don’t, so I do not see a point in you being here. Zander let the Shunned capture him to save me from them. He was more dedicated than you know. And fine? We’ve wasted too many of our bullets and my sister-in-law and both of my friends are wounded, so no, we are not fine. Now, I already told you I wouldn’t ask you again. I’m not asking now. I’m telling. If you don’t leave this minute, I will kill this man.

Sara and Arella gasped and Cassian made a small noise in the back of his throat, but Sage said nothing. The captive stood there, still in the grasp of Iris’s party. Lucinda Halyn Ignacio, stop this petty anger. You would not kill that innocent man. You’re the daughter of an angel, after all. I am sorry I left you, but it was for your own good. Now, it’s over and there’s not much to do, so let it go. Do you want to survive this war or not?

Iris laughed derisively. Sage stepped closer to her. Sara sat down on the ground, seemingly woozy. Cassian stepped over to Sage, pushing his captive with him, and waited for Sage to grab the man. When Sage shook his head, Cassian released his captive and walked over to begin immediate medical care on Sara. Sage knew Iris wished to help him, but instead she stood strong and sure and that filled Sage with admiration. You do not know me. I would kill him if necessary to protect myself and my loved ones. You would know nothing of that. And by the way, in case you’ve forgotten, I’m also the daughter of a demon. So yeah, I would kill him. Do not test me. And what kind of question is that, anyway? Do I want to survive this war? Sure I do. I would love to survive this war, to see my brother safe and happy. There are more things than I can count that I would love to live for, but we all know that I won’t, so why bother asking?

Arella looked like she wanted to reply, but Sage stopped her. Look, I doubt you two will agree any time soon. So why waste our time? I wouldn’t test her patience right now and I doubt I’d test her forgiveness either. Our plan is to gather aid for the battle against the Shunned. It will happen soon, and we want an army. We need a way to recruit the angels and demons to our side. Can you do that?

Iris opened her mouth to protest, but Sage caught her eye and shook his head. Trust me he thought, knowing she’d hear. Quietly, he turned to her, both of them keeping part of their attention on Arella. We need help, Ris. We do. I know you’re mad and you’re hurt, but you have to let it go. You have to accept her, at least for now, the same way you did Marcello. If not, you’ll regret it. He wished he could comfort her again, but he didn’t have time. He had no hands or attention for Iris.

Sage waited impatiently for Arella to speak, wondering if he had made the right decision. "The angels I can help with, but the demons you’ll need to find another way. Contact Marcello. I will gather the angels I can, but I do not know