Serendipity: The AngelQuest Chronicles, #1

By Lyndie Ferguson

A Tug-O-War Between Heaven and Hell…

 

The Earth Cult, Angel Worship, has wreaked havoc in Heaven. When God calls for an AngelQuest, any suspected Angels are thrown to Earth, reborn as Human. Forces of good and evil compete for each fallen Angel's soul…

 

Seren Bachman, Earthbound Angel: fought childhood tragedy to gain success as an art dealer. And life would be good if not for the nightmares of her tragic past, which took a turn for the worse when she encountered to unusual strangers…

 

Lucas Hawke, Warrior Angel: is ordered to aid Seren in fulfilling a prophecy that would upset the balance of power between Heaven and Hell…

 

Quinton Slade, Dark Angel: the first to fall in the AngelQuest, pursues Seren to win her to hell's side. And he intends to win no matter who gets in the way…

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lyndie Ferguson
• Release date: Jun 11, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201072377

Lyndie Ferguson

 Lyndie Ferguson has a sixth sense of her own; she sees stories. A bible verse, a song lyric, or even a snippet of conversation could be the catalyst for a paranormal plotline. She loves books and movies with humor, romance, and suspense mixed with otherworldly (and quirky) characters. Out of that love was born the Urban Fantasy series The AngelQuest Chronicles. When she’s not writing or spending time with her family, she loves to bike ride and backpack. Follow her at www.AuthorLyndieFerguson.com and Facebook.com/Author Lyndie Ferguson.

Book preview

Prologue

One day the angels came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came with them. The Lord said to Satan, Where have you come from?"—Job 1:6 NIV

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Heaven, The Far Past…

It came to pass that one day the devil had the audacity to present himself to God. Six-winged seraphim hovered high above his throne. Although two of their wings covered their faces, their continual song shook the doorposts of the throne room. Holy, holy, holy…

The God of the universe, the Ancient of Days, sat on his throne. His long white hair took on the hue of the glory that surrounded him, which emanated throughout the room like rainbow-colored smoke, getting heavier and denser around God himself.

Satan coughed. God’s glory felt like acid on his throat.

What brings you here? God said to Satan.

I’m not here to cause trouble, just felt like a little conversation. I have only my underlings to talk to—never get to speak to an equal. Satan yawned.

You’ll never be my equal, Satan.

Ah, that’s where you’re wrong. You see, my followers believe I’m their God. That makes me pretty powerful.

What are you here for?

To accuse, of course.

And what hapless human are you out to destroy now?

Not one of your humans—one of your angels. The devil laughed, displaying perfect white teeth. He wore a human persona today, one of many guises he used to deceive the humans. You don’t think all the angels in heaven are on your side, do you?

God sat still. No flicker of emotion crossed his face. Speak your piece.

You know some of the humans are into angel worship. That archangel, Quinton, he enjoys it a bit too much. Of course, you can call him out on it, but he’d probably lie.

Silence, God said. The song of the seraphim lowered to a hum. Two of the seraphim separated themselves from the others, each taking opposite sides of the throne.

The devil ceased his chatter, but he did not wipe the smirk from his face.

God summoned his angels. They presented themselves by rank, from highest to lowest. He looked at the archangel Quinton then addressed the crowd.

Satan has accused that some of you are participating in this new earth cult, Angel Worship. If so, I will allow you to leave heaven now. No questions asked.

Not one angel moved.

God looked at the archangel Michael. Is this possible?

Michael bowed down before the Lord. We routed out all known deceivers. Some may have strayed since then.

God stood up from his throne. The glory surrounding him shifted as he raised his scepter. All the remaining angels bowed down.

I decree, from this day forward, an AngelQuest. Any suspected angels will be stripped of their power and sent to earth—to be born a human. Both sides, Satan’s and mine, will have the opportunity to sift that soul. As humans, those souls will choose who they will serve. If that soul belongs to Satan, then Satan can have it. If that soul is mine, then I will have it.

Let the games begin, said Satan. AngelQuest. Got a nice ring to it. He started to laugh but had a coughing fit instead.

Wait, said Quinton, the archangel.

One of the seraphim beside God dropped a wing from her face. She stared at the archangel. The murmuring of the startled angels buzzed throughout the throne room.

God tapped his scepter on the floor, then all murmuring ceased.

Step forward, said God.

I choose to defect, said Quinton. I want to leave with Satan.

God looked at Satan. He’s yours now.

Satan shook his head. Oh, no. The time to defect has passed. We have the AngelQuest now. He’s our first participant.

So be it, said God.

I change my mind, screamed Quinton as fire consumed his right angel wing. He crouched to the floor in pain. But it was too late. As he looked over his shoulder, he found only a black stub remained.

His body began to disintegrate, and Quinton resumed his screams. Only a few seconds had elapsed, and he had vanished altogether.

Once again, God looked over at Michael. Inform purgatory of what has transpired.

Michael’s face shone with the glory of the lord, and though his body remained where it was, his face disappeared from his head. A few seconds later, his face returned to his body.

It is done, my Lord, said Michael, bowing low before the throne.

The Ancient of Days stared straight at Satan. You are the father of lies and deceitful as the day is long. What will you say to me now?

Who knows, maybe when you get your new heaven, these things won’t happen, said Satan.

Depart from me, you old devil; you’ve done enough damage for one day.

Satan’s maniacal laughter reverberated along the throne room walls, then echoed down the corridor long after he departed heaven.

Chapter One

…But woe to the earth and the sea because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury because he knows that his time is short.

—Revelation 12:12b NIV

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Earth, Present Day…

Seren Bachman walked her new client through the Bachman Gallery of Fine Art. She stopped at the vacant space on the northeast wall. This would be a good focal point for your display, Mr. Slade. You won’t be sorry you chose my gallery.

Please, call me Quinton; all my friends do.

Seren laughed. Once a month, she showcased a local artist, but usually, they weren’t this charismatic. His eyes bored into hers.

Call me…Seren. She broke the eye contact. After your show, you can continue to keep part or all of your art here on consignment.

Seren ventured a look at Quinton. His raven black hair glistened in the studio lighting as he cocked his head towards the staircase.

What’s up there? he asked.

Oh, that’s my private studio. It’s not open to the public.

You are an artist, yourself?

"I display a few of my paintings here. So, tell me, what brought you to our little town of Artemis?"

It’s small enough to get to know the people, yet large enough to get lost in.

I see. Seren held out her hand. Thank you for coming by.

He shook her hand, but when she attempted to retrieve it, he did not let go. Somewhat startled, she looked back into his ice gray eyes. For a fleeting moment, she could have sworn his eyes had turned black. She shook herself from her reverie and snatched her hand away.

Good-bye, Mr. Slade—Quinton.

I’ll be back next week to finalize our plans. He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a business card. Should you need to get in touch before I return, said Quinton.

Thanks, she said, taking the business card.

Her eyes followed him until he had shut the door behind him. Her assistant, Tori, joined her.

He’s a strange one, said Tori. But you know me—I like strange.

He’s a bit too strange, even for you. There’s something about him, said Seren. She felt Tori staring at her. But then, anyone who delves into the art world has got to be a little strange, right?

Yeah, like who wears black leather trench coats this day and age? But the ponytail is to die for.

I think you’ve been watching too many vampire flicks.

You need to watch one; it would do you some good.

Why do you say that?

You live and breathe art. Go on a date. Or at least go out. For heaven’s sake, it’s St. Paddy’s Day, drink a green beer! That would be a start.

My world is fine just like it is, thank you very much.

Tori persisted. "My friends and I are going to The Lucky Leprechaun tonight. Come with us. It’ll be fun."

Is it down on the docks? You know I don’t go…

I know your story, Seren. I wouldn't take you down to the docks, interjected Tori. This is a new place a few blocks down the street.

Sorry, I don’t mean to be so paranoid. You’re right. I need to get out. It’s been a long time since I went out on a Friday night.

Tori smiled. Great, we'll take a cab. You’ll have fun.

Alright, what time?

Right after your painting class. But you can’t wear that. I have the perfect outfit for you.

Seren looked down at her tailored pantsuit. I hope I’m not going to regret this.

Tori laughed. Oh, I almost forgot, she said as she walked towards Seren’s office. Your appointment with the accountant is in five minutes.

Seren followed her. That’s one appointment I wish I could forget.

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Seren ushered her last student out of the classroom door around 4:45. She collected her giant tote bag and went to the front counter of The Paint Palette, the art and craft store down the street from the gallery. The manager, Cassie, greeted her warmly.

I’m so glad you’re going out this evening, said Cassie.

Are you sure it’s okay that I leave the painting party to you this evening? asked Seren.

Don’t go changing your mind, Seren. I have more than enough help for this event.

Then I’ll leave you with it.

Seren drove her Volkswagen Passat the short distance back to the gallery. She had left Tori to lock up, and when she parked her car in the back lot of the gallery, Tori’s car was gone.

She took the metal steps up to her attic apartment on the second floor. The alarm system beeped as she entered the door. She fumbled to reset the alarm before the police came calling.

The decanter of Chianti beckoned to her, so she poured herself a glass before collapsing on the couch. She stared at the high vaulted ceiling of her living room, wishing she had time to relax before Tori got here.

For some reason, her painting class was a chore this evening. Even the gallery was a chore.

Seren couldn’t believe she allowed herself that thought. This was her dream come true. She built this life from nothing. It’s what she wanted. So, why wasn’t she happier?

She looked up at the painting above her fireplace. Her brother’s laughing green eyes smiled at her. It was one of her finest works. Tori wanted her to display it in the gallery, but she refused. This was her private pleasure.

Seren held her glass up to the painting. Here’s to you, Sergio.

Thinking of Sergio brought tears to her eyes. The last time she saw him, he was screaming for her to run. The next morning they had found his body floating at the docks. If only she could have remembered where the yacht had been…

A car door slammed outside. Seren drained the last of her chianti. She deactivated the alarm and stepped out onto the porch ledge.

Tori trudged up the steps, laden down with several bags. Her green attire screamed St. Patrick’s Day. Seren laughed aloud.

You know, if you had wings, I’d have thought you were a fairy, said Seren.

Tori took a moment to strike a pose. What do you think of my new hairstyle—It makes me look like a pixie, doesn’t it?

I love it, said Seren, observing Tori’s fine, dark hair. The cut gives it a lot of lift—and sure goes with your outfit.

Tori laughed as she followed Seren into the apartment, dumping her bags on the couch. She slung a DVD across the coffee table.

What’s this? asked Seren.

A vampire flick—you’ve got to see this one.

Seren read the title. The Lost Boys. She just shook her head.

Tori held up a tiny bar maid’s costume, complete with a sequined green corset and green high-heeled pumps. This is for you.

You’ve got to be kidding, said Seren.

What? It will bring out the green in your eyes.

I’ll look like a leprechaun!

That’s the point. I have a top hat to match.

How did I ever let you talk me into this?

Just try it on, said Tori.

Seren took the dress to her bedroom and changed.

I don’t know about this outfit, Tori; there’s way too much cleavage, she yelled as she modeled in front of her full-length mirror.

Tori popped her head into the bedroom. Let me tighten the corset for you.

Seren watched her figure transform in her mirror. I think I’d rather be a fairy.

Oh, no. Tonight, you stand out. Who knows, maybe you’ll meet Mr. Right.

At a bar? Please.

Just might be your lucky night. Here’s your hat.

Dutifully, Seren attempted to fit the top hat over her mass of dark curls.

That won’t do. Tori smoothed Seren’s hair and swept it to the side, making one long braid to hang down her right shoulder. She placed the hat snugly on Seren’s head.

There. That’ll do it.

Seren looked in the mirror and cringed.

A noise outside caught their attention. Tori ran to the living room window and peeped out the closed drapes.

Our cab is here, said Tori, almost skipping to the front door. I’m leaving my car here. My roommate will drive me in tomorrow.

Seren laughed. Maybe one of us will have fun tonight.

The taxi ride to the bar was short. The Lucky Leprechaun was sandwiched between an attorney’s office and a high-end resale shop in the historic district.

They stepped inside. I like this place, said Seren. It’s not what I expected.

The bouncer scanned their ID’s. No cover charge for ladies tonight.

Tori gave him a high-five.

They stopped at a U-Shaped booth. Two young women looked up. She recognized them instantly—Ella, Tori’s roommate, and Ella’s cousin, Amber.

Seren nodded at Amber. Hello, ladies. How’s it going?

Great, the cousins spoke simultaneously, then started laughing at each other.

Scoot over; we want to sit down, said Tori, laughing at their antics.

Once they were settled, the waitress stopped at their table. What can I get you, ladies?

A green beer, Seren said.

Bring her a pitcher. I’ll have two Ice Bombs, said Tori.

No, interjected Seren, One beer will be fine.

Tori gave her a stern look, but Seren ignored her, choosing to listen to the cousins’ small talk. The waitress soon returned, setting the drinks on the table.

Put it on my tab, said Tori to the waitress. Drink up, Seren.

I can get this, said Seren.

This is on me, said Tori. It’s a feat I got you here to start with.

Thanks. Seren swirled the green liquid in her mug then took a swig. It tastes like ordinary beer.

Tori laughed. Yes, it does, but that’s not the point. You’re not holed up in your apartment right now.

Tori wasted no time downing the first of her drinks, and then she was off to sing karaoke with the cousins.

Seren watched the karaoke for a bit but soon lost interest. She sipped her drink and stared at the crowd. Before she could finish her beer, the waitress appeared at her side. She set another mug on the table, pointing to a guy at a table across the room.

"Oh,