Angel Down, Deception

By Ursula Graetz

Angel Kael refuses to believe that his brother has become a fallen angel because, in his opinion, Logan is the best Guardian Angel of them all.  How could he have fallen? Further questions that baffle Kael are, who murdered the great Prophet Joshua of Earth and why? These questions finally drive Kael to break one of Heaven's rules - going down to Earth - to investigate. But on Earth, he quickly discovers that nothing is as it seems and before long, he finds himself breaking a few more rules along the way, unravelling dark secrets and mysteries, and breaking the most important rule of all – he falls in love with a human. Now he has to save his brother and the woman he loves from the impending doom that is about to hit both Heaven and Earth.

Angel Down, Deception is a supernatural romance. thriller.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ursula Graetz
• Release date: Jan 29, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463054994

Ursula Graetz

Ursula is a Holistic Therapist offering Hypnotherapy, Psychotherapy and counselling, as well as various Energy Healing modalities. Her love for writing started at a young age. Bullied at primary school forced her to hide in a library, and that is where her love for reading and her journey of writing began. It opened up a world of imagination which she incorporates into all her novels.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

The humidity in New York City was high and still rising, but nobody seemed to notice as a large crowd started to gather. Faces were gaping in shock. People were ignoring the hooting of drivers stuck in their usual morning peak hour traffic. Only this time, they were forced to come to a dead standstill.

As the crowd magnified and the mood intensified, a siren was heard. An ambulance tried to plough its way through the heart of the dense city traffic, but it was not fast enough for the man lying in the street, whose white shirt was now soaked in crimson as the blood drained out of his body. He took his last breath. His suit jacket lay sprawled open to reveal the pricy fashion label. His short blonde hair was streaked with blood. His grey-blue eyes were wide open, unmoving, and glasslike.

Amidst the commotion, and caught in their flailing curiosity, the crowd failed to notice as a young woman with long golden hair scurried away from the scene. They also failed to notice her sudden transformation which took only a few seconds to complete - long golden hair turning black, pink floral dress turning into black leather, the former sweet, innocent face now entirely transformed and etched with a dark malevolent expression.

Her lips twisted into a wicked smirk and her dark eyes gleamed with satisfaction as she darted across the street, adrenalin pumping through her veins, all the while commending herself on a job well done.

CHAPTER 1

Slouching was an unusual stance for Kael, but it was swiftly turning into a habit as he found himself, again, leaning against one of the colossal pillars of the Great Hall. This pillar was one of many that surrounded Angel Headquarters, and this pillar was fast becoming his literal pillar of support.

He frowned as he tried hard to ignore the growing tidal wave of emotions threatening to uproot his usual self-confidence. If he didn't gain control over whatever it was that was eating him up inside - and fast - he would implode. For the hundredth time that morning he grunted under his breath and shook his head, annoyed. The more he tried to dispel the flood of emotions and foreboding, the louder his mocking inner voice screamed at him, toying with his nerves, and manifesting future troubles he could not foresee. It was so frustrating, almost like a hidden predator lurking nearby that he could only sense but not see and something told him, he was the prey. Kael wondered if it was perhaps a premonition of some sort. Maybe a storm building on the horizon, one so great that it would threaten everything he held dear to him. One thought after another harassed him, and concerns chipped away at his usually solid composure. They were purpose-driven and relentless. On top of that, he was burdened with a restlessness that tangled with this lethal mixture of emotions that were trying to unhinge him. Despite his efforts to fight off that gnawing, foreboding black hole growing inside of him, it only seemed to magnify. If only he could figure out what it was.

It had taken him five long years of hard work and dedication as an Elder, a healing angel, to perfect his energy healing abilities, before being anointed as the Overseer of the Kingdom of Heaven, and another five years to bring to fruition his goal of being a good leader. Yet, a feeling of victory failed to accompany his accomplishment. Why was that? It almost seemed he had another void growing within him, as if he was searching for something, yet he had no idea what that something was. But the one thing he did know was that if he didn't find answers soon, an ominous gloom would consume him alive, like a cunning plot ready to disembowel him of the joy and peace that should be his.

When he first received the news of a new threat from the underworld, he immediately called for a meeting. He wondered about that. Surely that threat could not be what was causing him such distress, could it? There had been unrest between good and evil, between God's angels and Satan's demons and dark angels, since the dawn of time. And good always managed to prevail. Kael truly believed good would always prevail. So, what was it that stealthily ate away at his soul these days? Was he perhaps tired of his burden and task as an angel already? No, surely not. It had only been ten years since becoming an angel. There must be something more to this brewing unrest in his soul. Was it possible that he was on the wrong path? He scoffed at himself. How absurd. This was the ultimate Heavenly path, why on Earth would he feel there was something amiss? No, it must be something else gnawing away at him. Something bigger than just his own issues. That thought made him cringe. For Heaven's sake, he hoped that was not the case. A chill suddenly ran over him, and then he just knew, deep down inside, that something huge was coming and it was going to change everything.

Apprehension not only bombarded him, Kael realized, but it had also managed to creep into the Great Hall too, strangling the very air that clung to the high ceilings and thick walls. It was as if the ancient hall itself could sense the impending danger he was sensing.

From the corner of his eye, he watched as the angels nervously gathered around and then clambered to take their seats, eager to hear why their Overseer had summoned them.

Kael closed his eyes and sucked in a deep lungful of air before exhaling slowly. With strained effort, he willed his mind to release his breath in order to bring a sense of calmness over him. After repeating the breathing exercise three times he opened his eyes once more. It worked – a little. Next in his grounding technique efforts to bring about inner peace, he glanced around the room for a moment, soaking up the exquisite architecture.

It was a grandeur mixture of Roman and Gothic splendor. The Great Hall's doors and windows were generously decorated with gold-laced lintels similar to those decorating all the doors, portals, and windows throughout Angel Headquarters. The hall, a gathering place where important meetings were held with heads of the various Heavenly regions, reminded Kael of a Romanesque Cathedral. It had three portals at the entrance which were decorated with sculptures of various sizes, and a rose window bringing in a pleasant color. They were bordered by two towers. Rows of marble pillars supported the roof, edged by one aisle. The main offices were placed on the two sides between the buttresses, and a ribbed vault covered the nave. This design was only slightly more advanced than the Romanesque architecture back on Earth, which was strange considering the infinite age of Angel Headquarters, but Kael guessed an angel or two must have leaked the construct ideas to humans, and a good thing too, as the rib vault allowed for massive windows to invite in more light. There was nothing worse than a dark hall. Here in the Great Hall the large windows were of great benefit, as they allowed the ever-flowing and glorious beams of light that radiated eternally throughout the Kingdom to constantly alight its magnificent interior. The hall, together with the adjacent courtyard and various surrounding lush gardens, were like pictures from ancient Rome, so similar it was like stepping into a different time and place – almost fictional – with all its giant marble pillars, elegantly painted high ceilings, hand-crafted marble tiles, colorful silk drapes flowing in the breeze, the gothic arches, with stone and gold integrated lintels. Not to mention the many beautiful sculptures. Angel Headquarters usually filled him with pride, peace, and joy, but today its beauty and magnificence offered him little solace. He grimaced before forcefully pulling himself together as he readied himself to face the horde.

Kael mentally worded his speech in his mind, then, with raised head and an outward display of confidence, he proceeded down the aisle towards the podium. All eyes were upon him now, their nervous dispositions fading and being replaced by looks of admiration as their beloved leader made his way to the stage.

Kael knew he was no ordinary angel. He was larger than most, with a heavy muscular construct, unlike most of the other angels, except for Michael of course, who was an archangel. But despite his appearance, he had nonetheless been chosen to become an angel after first being a human. Kael still doubted the Kingdom's choice. He didn't feel particularly special. However, his blood brother, on the other hand, now that was certainly a choice made in Heaven, and certainly spot on. He and his brother differed in many respects. Where Kael was large, like a Roman warrior of old, Logan, although almost as tall as he, was slender, and athletic in build. Kael was dark-haired and olive-skinned, while Logan was blonde with a fair complexion. Then there was Kael's over-seriousness and quick to anger, whereas Logan was loving, friendly and humorous – perhaps a tad too humorous, Kael thought. The only thing he had in common with his brother was their striking grey-blue eyes. Something they inherited from their mother. Linda had been a beautiful, loving woman. Logan definitely took after her. Just thinking about Logan managed to draw out a hint of a smile which even managed to chase away some of his inner demons, bringing calmness to his mind. It was only a temporary fix, but it would have to suffice for now.

Welcome, my beloved Heavenly brothers and sisters. It's good to see you all again. Thank you for coming here at such short notice. Kael greeted them with genuine affection.

A variety of angels sat before him, both male and female, from different races and ethnic groups, and Kael held a deep kinship with each one of them. They were his celestial family, and more importantly, they were his responsibility. It was his task to ensure that they ran their duties diligently and monitored the attendance of the Angel Study classes – which was a never-ending school of learning, from learning the mysteries of God and the Holy Bible to learning about the rules of the Kingdom, both past and present. He was also tasked with ensuring that all the Kingdom's angels were protected and guided to make the right decisions. But the most daunting of his duties was to ensure the smooth running of the entire Kingdom of Heaven. This was a significant challenge but one he had managed well so far, albeit with great effort.

Suddenly a heavy fluttering of wings echoed through the Great Hall followed by a hefty shadow descending over the angels. A few seconds later, an angel with massive white wings appeared, as he came in to land. Swiftly and effortlessly his wings folded inward before totally disappearing behind the custom attire - a dark suit, white shirt, and blue tie - which was worn on special occasions, especially when appearing before Heads of Regions, as a show of respect. The latecomer cast an apologetic glance at Kael for his lateness, who in turn greeted him with a curt nod. The angel hurriedly took his seat among his peers.

Once all was silent again Kael continued. Prophet Joshua has informed us of a new threat on the rise. According to him, Satan has devised a new plan, one that aims to bring down many of our angels as quickly as possible. His dark army intends to lead us into temptation so that we will all be cast out of the Kingdom of Heaven for our sins and then be sent to purgatory to await judgment day.

He paused as he noticed the fear and anxiety shadowing their faces. He couldn't blame them. When he first heard the news, he too had been somewhat unnerved.

I don't have to tell you that a step like that will most certainly leave the Kingdom vulnerable to an invasion by Satan and his hordes of demons and dark angels. If that happens, they will be free to wreak havoc on the world, which we all know, is Satan's ultimate goal.

A collective gasp could be heard, followed by frantic murmurs that spread throughout the hall like a wildfire of panic-stricken echoes.

Kael remained silent for several seconds to allow the angels to process the information, before continuing.

Satan has apparently offered his demons and dark angels an incentive to drive them to achieve his goal. That incentive is- he took a deep breath before revealing Satan's cunning plan, -the demon or dark angel who brings down the most angels of Heaven, by hook or by crook, will receive the reward of becoming the next commander in chief of his dark army once they take over the Kingdom.

Kael examined the horde of angels before him, some were terrified while others were angry.

But my beloved brethren, I assure you all right now – we have nothing to fear. As long as we endeavor to do that which you have learned through the years, and that which I have taught you of late – that we should continuously strive towards keeping the unity of our faith and calling strong, and preserve the strength of the brotherhood and sisterhood with our love for one another, then we have nothing to fear. Where there is unity, there is strength.

He inhaled a deep breath of air before continuing. As heads of your regions, I urge each one of you to instill the necessary courage and vigilance in those angels under your command. But most importantly- he hesitated again to glance around the hall with an intensive gaze before adding, -now is the time to show mercy, love, and compassion to one other, especially in these trying times.

He took a lengthy pause, switching his gaze from one angel to the next.

We have to work together, brethren, to avoid succumbing to this new threat. I have taught you to look out for one another and to pray for one another. Remember, those who pray together, stay together, and that is what has kept us stronger than ever over these past five years. It's been a Heavenly record; no angel has fallen in five years. So, let us maintain this stream. I know we can do this. I don't want to lose anyone of you. Every angel throughout the Kingdom is vitally important. He paused for but a moment before adding with emphases, we can do this.

All the angels nodded their heads, their courage renewed.

Together we are a POWER. Kael raised his voice with intensity for inspirational effect, -together we are a MIGHTY FORCE - and together we are UNDEFEATABLE! We will NOT FALL!

As his voice rang clear over the angels, everyone joined in, echoing his words with burning fire within their hearts, their fears dispelling as their confidence returned in full force. The hall vibrated with faith and courage. It was so loud; Kael was almost afraid the large windows of the hall might crack.

Suddenly there was another interruption as an angel flew into the hall. This time, the angel did not transform but instead, flew onto the podium and landed noisily beside Kael. He kept his wings open and visible and was wearing his white travel cloak. He leaned over and whispered something into Kael's ear before taking off again. With a loud flapping of wings, he flew out of the hall as quickly as he had come.

The hall was silent for what seemed like an eternity as all the angels anxiously awaited the news that had suddenly cast such a disturbing shadow over Kael's face. It was as if the news had sucked out his very life. It even managed to void the effects of the inspirational speech he had, only moments before, instilled in them. The news was clearly devastating, as his face had turned ash grey.

Panic and fear clawed at their hearts again, but no one dared to utter a word. Deathly silence ensued. They had never seen Kael so perplexed or distressed before. For several minutes the eerie silence roamed the hall, its fingers tapping on the hearts of all, and slyly untying the bands of courage and strength that Kael had inculcated in them.

Kael could not utter a single word, nor could he move. It felt as though his body had been filled with lead from head to toe, gluing him to the spot. It all made sense now, the feelings of impending doom that had been accumulating inside of him, the fears that had mocked him for weeks trying to unnerve him, the growing unrest. Well, it had succeeded. This news hit home.

Finally, Kael cleared his throat, but even after clearing it, his voice still sounded like grated steel.

I'm afraid it has begun- he proclaimed and paused. Everyone waited with bated breaths for him to divulge the news. With a painful swallow Kael said the words he dreaded the most since becoming an angel and that he had tried so hard to prevent, -An angel is down.

Distraught echoes swept through the Great Hall.

Don't you mean an angel has fallen? One of the angels sitting in the hall, stood up, boldly correcting him.

NO! Kael blurted out angrily and instantly regretted it.

His outburst sent a shockwave through the hall and the angels froze, not daring to utter another word. The outspoken angel quickly sat down, almost in a cowering stance.

Angry with himself for his outburst, Kael hastily added, this time in a more subdued tone of voice, I will not declare him fallen until I am certain of the facts. He paused for a moment, then added, you may all go. And may God be with you.

Once all the angels who were summoned for the meeting had left Angel Headquarters, Kael pushed forward on legs that felt like stubs from the numbness due to the shock of the news. He slowly made his way to his office, which was situated at the far end of the Great Hall, and once there, and with a heavy heart, he sank into his chair. He leaned forward and placed his elbows on the desk and balanced his heavy head in his hands while panic tore through him, followed by the drowning feeling of utter despair. What was he going to do?

A small-built woman, dressed in a grey and white tunic, entered his office. Her thick, grey hair was pinned up in a tight bun as always.

So, are you going to tell me who it is? she asked, her voice shaky and her eyes stricken with fear. The thought of an angel falling brought a heaviness to her heart that only a mother could feel when losing a child. To Maria, all the angels were like her own children.

Kael battled to respond due to a massive lump lodged in his throat. He swallowed painfully a