Revealing Hope

By Julie Cassar

As the smoke clears, a line is drawn in the ashes and a tender new chapter begins for CeeCee and Cash, but how long will this truce with evil last? As Azazel’s quest to steal Light rages on, the search for Pim continues. But, will Cash’s new vulnerabilities change Azazel’s deadly game and unlock the door to new threats? The stakes are high and Cash’s determination to stop Azazel leads them on an unexpected journey.
Secrets from CeeCee and Cash’s shrouded past are revealed as they search to end their nightmare with Evil. Their choices become more difficult when their path leads them farther into Darkness. Who will rise in this fierce battle for power? As their notion of truth becomes clouded and hope unravels, will Darkness prevail in altering them forever?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Julie Cassar
• Release date: Jan 28, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463423592

Julie Cassar

Julie Cassar's debut top rated Young Adult Fantasy "Ruby Blue" Series has been met with rave reviews and has spent weeks on Fantasy Series Best Seller List. A graduate of Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelor Degree in Fine Art, specializing in Graphic Design, Cassar has also worked as a production artist, designer, painter and photographer. She has been featured in Fitness Magazine, "Outdoor Athlete," and publishes a monthly blog.

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Dedication

This one is for my siblings:

Brian, Leslie, Kristin, R.J., J.D. Sissy, Steve & Kelly

I wouldn’t be the person I am today without

all of you.

Thank you for your unwavering love, support,

and friendship.

Cheers!

Acknowledgments

I never saw this book coming. As the characters slowly revealed their path to me, this story developed in a way that I never imagined. Writing the end to any book is always hard for me, and more so when it completes the series. But here’s where I get to say thank you to some awesome people, who have become super important in my life.

In no particular order, the cast of real-life characters I’d like to thank are as follows:

Leslie Kachnowski. For being the best line-by-line editor ever! I trust my words and my heart with your intelligent, compassionate soul.

J.D. Kachnowski. For being brutally honest, but kind. He’s one of the few people I trust with my writing at its earliest, ugliest stage and he helps me craft the very best story that I can.

Beth Kobler. One of my best friends, who also gets to read my horrible first draft and cheers me on through every chapter. You finish my sentences, get my weirdness and know me inside and out. Here’s to a million more words and memories shared between us. Cheers!

Derek Justice. One of my most favorite people, who’s had a bigger impact on me than he’ll ever realize. You consistently nudge me out of my comfort zone. I love that we share a brain. (And bourbon, writing, movies, humor, and basic life philosophy, among so many other things!)

Danielle Bannister. My twin who lives on the other side of the country in Maine. I wouldn’t know what to do without our daily chats and your constant push to move forward and open my eyes to what’s in front of me. You keep my butt in front of the keyboard and my heart glued together. You know my crazy!

Angela Reams. My gym pal and confidant. Love you so much!

Robyn, Chris, Christina, Dr. Jones, Mags, Terry, Jamison, Kristen, and Greg, thank you for your unwavering friendship over the years.

To all these characters: I love and cherish you all than words can ever express. Thank you for sharing your lives with me, and for willingly being a part of mine.

To my readers: I hope this book surprises you as it did me. And, I hope it leaves your heart full and your mind open. Thank you for reading!

Prologue

Lux: Age unknown

221 Years Ago

His Angel Essence was only 21 years old. A tiny beam of light in a magnificent universe of stars, moons, Angels, Celestials, Demons, humans, and the millions of other extraterrestrial entities who walked among the worlds beyond. How can he affect me so? He is but a small, singular, insignificant speck among the Light we live in. His essence as measured by human qualities – dark-haired, brooding, quiet, yet confident. And, a beautiful, intoxicating mystery to me.

Cassius.

He was unlike any other Angel I had encountered in all of time. What was this strange pull we felt towards each other? Never mind his dimples. Or his eyes. But his heart … don’t get me started on his heart. I felt unbalanced when he was away as if I was a meteor tumbling out of control. And I would suddenly return to a peaceful, smooth course upon his arrival. When he was near me, I had this need and desire to be close to him. Like an unseen force pulling the planets in orbit, so it was with Cassius and me, drawn together in an ethereal dance.

I couldn’t contain my grin as I watched him cross the lush, green grassy field and bend over to pick a flower. He hid it behind his back and continued towards me. Didn’t he realize that I see everything? Everything. I see the past. I see the future. I see choices. I see moments. I see every being, everywhere, all of the time. I see the Light in the Darkness. I see the tiny sliver of good in evil. If I hadn’t learned to shut it out from time to time, I would’ve gone mad thousands of years ago. Celestials are not Gods. My Father taught me how to block all of this. Before … well … before it happened.

I gripped the white wooden railing on the covered porch upon which I stood. I felt a twinge in my chest, and my heart ached when I thought of that fateful day, and of my brother. I choked down the lump in my throat. My mind wandered to that dark memory of my brother. Perhaps… perhaps if I hadn’t shut out my all-knowing ability then, I could’ve stopped it … I could’ve … NO. I told myself. It’s the past and it is done. You mustn’t dwell on it. You are a Celestial Being of Light. I shook the dark thoughts from my mind and redirected my focus on Cassius’ approach.

I smiled as he climbed the steps to where I stood. Lux! he called out. I’ve missed you, my Star. He pulled the flower from behind his back with a flourish and smiled, showing off his dimples. Grinning, I took it and placed a soft kiss on his cheek.

Thank you, Cassius. How did your training go today?

He gave me a sideways disbelieving glance. Surely, you know already? I gripped his hand in mine and pulled him towards the chairs on the porch.

I could, I said, as we sat down beside each other, But I chose to block it out so I could hear it from you and share your experience, I winked.

His grin slowly faded as he looked into my very essence, and his expression became somber. I need to tell you something, Lux.’

I had a feeling that I already knew, but I often hid Cassius’s choices and future from my view. I couldn’t bear to know everything. It gets exhausting seeing everything all of the time.

He continued, I’ve chosen to become a Guardian.

Oh? I said, trying to mask my disappointment. I looked down at the beautiful moonflower I held and gently stroked the white petals. I see … I murmured. Of course, a Guardian is a quite noble choice. A perfect choice, actually, for Cassius.

His fingers gently lifted my chin for me to look at him. His electric green eyes held me captive. I could see the depths of the seven seas and a galaxy of stars within them. They revealed his inherent goodness and honor. And, they shined bright with his love for me. It was almost crippling to look into his eyes. They held me captive for moments on end, and I was lost within him. Hey, he gently whispered. I’m not leaving yet. I think you’ll be stuck with me for quite some time, he soothed, giving me a smile.

I closed my eyes, and a crystal-clear tear fell. Raising my eyes to meet his gaze once again, I replied, I know, my love. I’m sorry. But, my heart was heavy. He knew not what was coming. When the Rules would be revealed to him, how would he feel then? I tried to shake the dark thoughts from my mind.

****

For the next 12 years, Cassius trained, and our bond grew exponentially. The love I felt for this Angel was equal to the love I felt for my Father. The two shared a room in my heart that grew bigger with each moment I spent with Cassius.

And then, one day, it happened.

I knew something was wrong the moment I saw him. He dropped his head, and his unease was apparent. I have been assigned a soul, he quietly said.

I see, I whispered in return. I closed my eyes, hoping to hide my sorrow from him. When? I asked.

The soul is due to be born within the month.

I opened my eyes and tears fell. There was no hiding the despair that was washing over me. I crushed him with my embrace as I wept into his broad chest. He cradled me and soothingly whispered, Shhhh … shhh, I am not leaving yet. We still have some time.

Raising my head from his chest to meet his gaze once again, I replied, I’m just … sad to see you go.

I know, my Star. But I shall return! It will be like the blink of an eye!

I tried to plaster a smile on my face as I sighed. He did not know what time felt like to me. Hours ticked on for years. Time felt endless for Celestials. It would feel much longer to me than to him. And, he didn’t know all of the Rules yet, at least not the one that pertained to me. He would not get to interact with me once he started the life of a Guardian. They are bound to their humans, not to the Celestials they meet in the heavenly realm. Besides, once he went to the Earthly plane, he would most likely forget me. All of the Guardians do. The only Angels who remember me are the ones I’ve trained as Lumen; the Warriors of Light. Another terrible thought crept into my mind. What if he perished by a sword in defense of the soul he protected? He would cease to exist. Sorrow filled my heart. A world without Cassius? I couldn’t let my mind go there. I would miss him in his absence. No … I would ache for him. Before I could dwell on the dark thoughts anymore, he pulled me into his embrace.

We kissed as no other entities ever had. Our light combined and exploded within us.

I whispered a silent prayer, My Dear God, I will miss him.

I know, my child, I heard in response.

Cassius and I remained undisturbed for the next 14 days. They were the most exquisite 14 days of my entire existence.

And then, he had to leave.

****

It had been 180 years since Cassius left me and went down to the Earthly plane to become a Guardian. These 180 years have felt like 180,000. Trust me, I know. I couldn’t take another moment of it. I went to my Father.

I cannot bear another year, I cried Please, Father! Isn’t there anything you can do?

His eyes revealed the magnitude of the universe and his knowledge.

My dear, Lux. You know I cannot. It is not within my power to do so.

But why? I was becoming more frustrated.

Free choice, my Star. You know this.

My brother did not choose, I replied in agitation.

False. He chose his path, and he had to endure the consequences of his actions. Being cast out was that consequence. You still have many paths in front of you, Lux.

My lips trembled. "But … but … what do you mean? What can I possibly choose? I cannot become a Guardian. I would not be with him. I would be linked to human souls. And, I cannot choose the path of my twin. I will not! What good would that do me? How would that bring me closer to Cassius? How would that reunite us?"

My Father’s eyes looked sad. It would not. But, those aren’t the only choices, my Star.

I don’t understand.

My child, there are many choices for you. Your name means, light. You see the Light in everything, everywhere. You can bring peace to many, to all. You have done so here in this Realm, and in others for many millennia. You have trained the Lumen, and you have served many. Your brother’s name means Bearer of Light. And, he, too, brought light to many in his time. He chose a path, and I cast him out. His charge came as his consequence. I shall not choose your future.

"Father, I still don’t understand. I don’t understand what my choices are. My place is here, in this realm. I am not an Angel. I am not a human. I am a Celestial; a being above humans and angels, and … and … my place is here. Is it not?" I frowned at my Father in confusion.

Your place is where you deem it to be, He simply answered.

I shook my head in frustration. Why must He be so difficult? What do you mean? I exclaimed, exasperated at his ambiguity. Even I was confused by the Rules.

He slowly walked around me, rubbing His chin as if in deep thought. Then, He gazed at me and spoke. "What I mean is what I’ve told you during your entire existence. The choice is always yours. I can only guide, listen, and lift you up when you need it. Everything else is up to you, my Star. If you want to go to Earth, you can choose to do so. If you want to become a Guardian, you may choose to do so. If you want to go below to the dark pits of Hell, you may choose to do so. If you want to live among others ... again. It is your choice."

My mind raced at His words. What was He saying? That I could live beside Cassius? That I could be with him? But how? Should I choose to be human? A Guardian? What?

Lux, His voice interrupted my frantic thoughts. I feel that you must know what is to come next before you make your choice.

Father, I have no idea what choice I am to make, let alone what may come next. I can look for myself if that is what you desire. But tell me what you must.

There is a Darkness sweeping across the Earth. It will grow. Azazel chose to fall. But, he is not like the others. He has … consumed the Light and the Dark and has become more than I had ever anticipated. I fear the Lumen must be sent down soon. And, he paused as if considering his words carefully. I fear you cannot defeat him from here.

What does this mean? Do you need me to lead them? To train more warriors?

It is not my choice to make. But I will tell you this: There is a dark evil growing, infecting the minds of many, which will result in the death of millions of humans.

What can I do? What should I do?

My Star, if it were up to me, I would say to train the Lumen well. And then, go live among the humans. See what they see. Feel what they feel. Know what they know. Then you can better help them. You know you will always come back here, back home. I will not tell you what your future holds, or his, as there are many choices to be made and many paths to take.

And what of Cassius? What if he dies by the sword and ceases to exist?

My Father looked lovingly at me and stroked my cheek. My Star, you have found a love as great as there is. If you love him so, perhaps go to him.

But Father, how can I go to him?

He sighed. My child. If you are asking me what you should do, I cannot tell you. You must choose. I would advise, however, to train your warriors to the highest degree possible. You will need them. And, if you so desire, be born, as a human. Live as your brother did, so many years ago.

But … he knew you. He was aware of his purpose. Will I be aware?

He looked down, sad. No, my child. You were created in this realm and are of this realm. You are a Celestial; a rank above angels and the highest being next to myself. You are an essence created, born, and living in this Realm of Light. If you choose to live below, I cannot guarantee that you will remember any of your existence here or Cassius.

I swallowed hard. So, if I go below, to see and live, and help those who need it against this Dark essence of Azazel, I may not remember Cassius at all?

That is correct.

But … I might? I looked at him with hope.

Yes.

Will I retain any memory of you? Of here? Of my place and my work as a Celestial? Of my Light? How can I help them if I don’t know the powers I possess?

We shall see, yes? He replied. But … I can tell you that those who have chosen to Fall, or those who have been cast out, have retained some semblance of their Heavenly gifts. To what extent, I cannot tell you, for it is unknown, even to me.

But Father! You are all-knowing! Omniscient! How can you say that?

"Lux, I only know what is. And I can see what may be. I do not know what you choose until you choose it. There are so many variables, so many strands of destiny. The paths are there, but I cannot speak of which one you walk down until you choose to walk it."

So, can’t you tell me which one to choose?

My father reached for my hand. "No. I cannot. For the choice is yours. Always, yours. For me to do anything otherwise would be cheating. He raised his eyebrows playfully. And, I don’t cheat."

Wringing my hands and pacing in front of him, I replied, I must think.

****

Days later, I made my decision. Over the next seven years, I trained the Lumen as I had never done so before. They were stronger and more powerful than ever.

Finally, after 187 years without Cassius, it was