Revelations

By Sam Kelly

There is a battle that has been brewing for centuriesbetween good and evilbetween Heaven and Hell. And Abigail Johns is about to find herself caught in the middle of it

After eighteen years Abigail has finally discovered that she is the daughter of Lucifer. She cannot hide from her fate any longer. She has been tasked with saving the world. Gabriel, an archangel, has been watching over Abigail for her entire life. He has been patiently waiting to teach and show her the reality of her new world. A world in which demons, shapeshifters, vampires, angels and the Devil really do exist.

Abigail, Gabriel, and their friends have just defeated Abaddon and sent Lucifers demons back to Hell. But that was just one battle. War is coming. Furthermore, the Devil still has three very powerful and dangerous demons on his side. Lucifer will not go silently into the night, and he will stop at nothing to rise and take the earth for his own.

Abigail has started to become the woman and leader that her friends and the world need her to be. But her love for Gabriel continues to cloud her judgement and her mind. She has chosen Gabriel over Mackinnon, but Gabriel continues to push Abigail away. He has stated that they can never be together. As he is a soldier of Heaven, and love and emotions are expressly forbidden. Will he choose Abigail over Heaven? Or will he lose her forever?

They must now travel to England and ask for help from The Committee, a mysterious group that Professor Rueben believes can help them. They will have to dive into an old world, filled with traditions, Grand Balls, secrets and deception. There are new threats arising every day and they are running out of time. Will they be able to trust this new alliance? Can they stop the Devil from rising and conquering the world? Or will they lose everything that theyve been fighting for?

Sam Kelly lures her readers back into the dark and complex world of her beloved characters. In this much-anticipated finale to Broken, she brings to life vivid story-telling, powerful twists and takes you on an exhilarating thrill ride of heartbreak, temptation and betrayal.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jul 8, 2016
• ISBN: 9781524608668

Sam Kelly

Sam Kelly grew up in Europe and in Canada as an army kid. She graduated from Carleton University with a degree in Film Studies. This is her second book, and the finale to Broken. Her first book was very successful. Sam currently resides in Ottawa, Canada with her husband and dog, Gunner. You can find her online at www.samkelly.ca

Book preview

PART 1

"Farewell happy fields,

Where joy forever dwells: Hail, horrors, hail"

-John Milton

(Paradise Lost)

Chapter 1

Abigail

ABI, WAKE UP! Abigail, please wake up. They’re here! I opened my eyes to see a pale face staring down at me and big brown eyes wide with anticipation. Sage had all but climbed on top of me to try and wake me up.

Okay, okay. Stop shouting! I’m awake, Sage, I responded, trying to push her away from me and sit up at the same time. What’s going on? Who’s here? But before she could answer I was jumping out of the massive bed. I knew who it was. Gabe. He was finally back.

I had been hauled up in a rather large mansion for the better part of a week waiting for news and instructions, but more importantly waiting for Gabe to return. He had left the moment we had reached this place. He hadn’t told anyone where he was going, and had only allowed Hudson and the professor to go with him.

The rest of us were stuck here, playing games, being bored and trying not to go insane. Me…I’d been exploring. Trying not to get in trouble, but the mansion that we were staying in was the most magnificent thing I had ever seen. The gardens alone were extraordinary.

We had arrived late at night, so I had not been able to see the place driving in, but I could only imagine that it would have been glorious. It was an estate just outside London. Professor Rueben had assured us that this was a place where we would be safe. We were staying with the Lady Catherine Carey. She was a descendent of Catherine Knolly, the daughter of Mary Boleyn, who was a mistress to King Henry the VIII and the sister of the infamous Anne Boleyn. The heritage and family history alone was enough to keep a girl occupied for weeks. Each room had artifacts and paintings that showcased that history. Each area in the house was like stepping back through time.

When I had first been introduced to Lady Catherine, I must admit that I had been very intimidated. She was the first person I had ever met that was so composed. She must have been in her late fifties, but she did not appear that way. Lady Catherine was a beautiful woman. She had come down the grand staircase in a black cocktail dress and furs around her shoulders. Her blonde hair had been pulled back into a tight bun, and she had the most beautiful earrings on. She greeted each of us with a firm handshake, and then proceeded to walk around and inspect me, calling me ‘the Saviour.’

I just stared. Like I said, she intimidated me.

After a quick tour we were shown our quarters and rooms. My room was beautiful, full of dark wood pieces and velvet curtains. The bed alone was something out of a historical movie. Gabe and Mack each took a room next to mine, and soon after Gabe had left, taking with him only two people and not saying a word.

It had been many lonely days without him. Not because I didn’t enjoy the company of the others, well maybe Ester, but because I missed Gabe. He was always on my mind and never far from my thoughts. Of course, Mack tried to amuse me and keep me occupied, but when I was alone, thoughts of Gabe always returned.

As I ran down the dark corridor of our quarters and proceeded to hit the grand staircase, my heart began to flutter. I was going to see him.

He stood at the bottom of the stairs talking with Mack and Molly. He looked the exact same. Hair ruffled, piercing blue eyes and his face drawn tight. Perfect. He glanced up at me and a smile spread across his face. My heart sank as I took a step forward and slipped. I missed the next step and tumbled down a flight of stairs.

When I reached the bottom, Mack and Gabe rushed over to help me up as I tried to brush myself off and retain some dignity.

I’m fine. Really guys, I’m okay.

That was quite an entrance, Gabe said, staring down at me.

Well, you know me; I’m all about the grand spectacles, I responded sarcastically, as a smoothed out my hair.

Abi, are you sure you’re okay? Mack asked, giving me the once over.

I promise, I’m totally fine, in fact this used to happen more often than you know.

I remember, Gabe responded staring into my eyes. He leaned in and wrapped his arms around me. I could feel his breath on my neck as he placed a soft kiss there. I’ve missed you, he whispered into my neck. Then he let go.

What is all the commotion? Do you children have any idea what time it is? Lady Catherine asked, descending the stairs towards us.

We all looked down as if we had all just been scolded by our mothers.

Hello, Catherine, we are sorry for all the disorder and the late hour, but we had to come back right away, Gabe responded, climbing the stairs to escort the lady down.

Always a gentleman, Gabriel. As he took her hand, jealousy flared inside of me. I knew it was juvenile and silly, but I didn’t want him touching her, or anyone for that matter.

Then let us all go into the parlor, so we can discuss this entire commotion, like civilized people, Lady Catherine announced.

As Mack, Molly and I followed Gabe and Catherine into the adjacent room, Hudson and Sage came down the staircase holding hands and smiling.

I was happy to see that they had reunited properly.

Once in the parlor, as Catherine had called it, we each took seats around the room. While we anxiously awaited Gabe to tell us what was going on, I started to scan the area and I couldn’t help but notice we were missing someone.

Where was the professor?

Gabriel

I HELPED ESCORT Lady Catherine to the sitting couch in her lavish parlour and started to pace around the extravagantly decorated room. I watched as the rest of our team trickled in. Ester was the last to arrive, clearly not happy about being woken up this late at night.

Where’s Clark? I wondered.

"He wouldn’t wake up. Said we could fill him in tomorrow. Something about trolls needing sleep, being very angry, and he mentioned The Hulk. So I just left him there," Ester stated, taking a seat on one of the couches.

I nodded, but I was annoyed. It had been a long few days for Hudson and myself and I wanted nothing more than to go upstairs and crash, but the others needed to be informed and unfortunately we couldn’t make Clark do anything he didn’t want to do. We’d just have to tell him tomorrow.

Hudson, Rueben and I had left six days ago and we hadn’t told a soul where we were going. Frankly, I didn’t know myself at the time. Rueben had promised that a member of The Committee would meet us at the Hilton in London, and from there we would be escorted to another place. And for the most part that is what happened. A young man arrived and asked for us to follow him. It was the only words he spoke as he escorted us to a creepy, windowless, black van. At that point, Hudson started to growl; he did not like to be placed in closed areas. Bad memories. But what choice did we have? We needed to speak with The Committee and find out what was going on. We needed their information. The three of us did as we were asked and piled into the back of the van. The young man drove for a long time before we ended up at an undisclosed location. Hudson and I both tried to memorize the turns that he took, but he was too smart for that and after two hours we gave up. When the back door finally opened, the young man grabbed at Rueben and pulled him out of the van, shutting the door and leaving us inside. Hudson and I tried to open the back door, but obviously it was locked. I knew that they would never harm me, I was an Archangel and killing me would condemn them all. On the other hand, Hudson and Rueben would be a different story. They would be a means to an end. My saving grace was that The Committee enjoyed playing games, especially mind games. I hoped that Rueben being taken away was just another game. Hudson and I waited in the back of that van for hours before the engine turned over and we started to move. We both began yelling and pounding on the side of the van, but there was no use. Another few hours later we stopped and the back door opened. This time a woman stood before us. She was very beautiful, with long, brown hair and bright blue eyes. I couldn’t tell her age, but she looked young, and she resembled the young man who had escorted us earlier. When I began to ask questions and Hudson started warning her of the risk she was taking by toying with a vampire, she merely smiled. That was when she explained where Rueben was and what we needed to do if we ever wanted to see him again. After her demands, which seemed more like threats, she proceeded to enlighten us about all of the knowledge that they had gathered about our group. They had obtained a lot of information about us, all of us, and I started to believe that they were either torturing Rueben or he had turned on us. I started to wonder if he hadn’t been a member of The Committee all along. The things that they had learned had to be divulged by someone close to us. Once again, I began to wonder if this was a game. The woman then stood aside and let us out of the van. She had driven us back to the Hilton. We watched her drive away and then spent the next few days tracking her, but it was a lost cause. She knew better than to leave bread crumbs, and by the third day there was nothing left to follow. We had lost her and them…completely.

There had been nothing left to do but return to the others and notify them. The Committee had successfully backed us into a corner and we had no choice but to do their bidding.

My mind returned to the present and my line of sight travelled back to Abigail.

My Abigail, but she wasn’t mine, was she?

She was wearing red flannel pyjamas, which accentuated her freckles and green eyes, and her blonde hair was piled loosely on top of her head. She was perfection. Watching her tumble down the stairs filled me with mixed emotions. I had watched her fall down and stumble around her whole life, but recently as she had become more self-assured, she had been more stable. But I had to admit it was cute to see her try and pick herself up. As I stared into her beautiful green eyes, I saw a girl who was powerful but nervous. And I loved every part of her.

Gabe…Gabe! I looked over to find Mack focused on me. His sly smile was one of awareness. My brother, please elaborate about what’s happening.

Yes, for God’s sake, Gabe. Please stop staring at Abi and concentrate on more important things. No offence, Abi, Ester said.

None taken. So where’s the professor, Gabe? Abi responded, looking around the room.

He’s with them. The Committee. They have him.

Why? The whole team asked in unison.

He’s our leverage, I stated, returning to stare at Abi.

Leverage for what? Gabe, stop being so damn cryptic, you’re driving me insane! Ester announced.

Leverage for me, Abi answered as she stood up and walked towards me. Right, Gabe? They want me?

I quickly glanced around the room and found all eyes on me, and suddenly I wished that Abi and I were alone. She stopped right in front of me and reached her hand up to brush my too long hair out of my eyes.

It’s Okay, Gabe. Just say it. I’m not scared anymore. Her hand fell from my face and found its way into my hand.

It’s true, they want Abi. But worse than that, they want the London society to meet her, I stated.

A ball, they want a Grand Ball, Lady Catherine declared, as I nodded my head.

What’s that? Abi questioned.

Oh, my sweet, American girl. A Grand Ball is like a…coming out party, where the high society of London will finally be introduced to their Saviour, Catherine continued.

Okay, well what’s so bad about that? I mean, I know I’m clumsy, Gabe, but I can do this.

That’s not what Gabe is worried about, Abi. At a Grand Ball you are very exposed. There will be hundreds of people here—

Excuse me, Hudson, but we are throwing this ball here! Well, why did no one say so? I have so many things to prepare for! Goodness, so many things to do! If you will all excuse me, I must gather myself and arrange all the details. I bid you all a goodnight, Lady Catherine, stated as she left the parlour.

Okay, as I was saying, Abi, there will be a lot of people here, some who mean to harm you and we are only eight strong right now. We won’t be able to fully protect you, Hudson finished.

I’ll be fine, guys. If this is what’s needed to gain The Committee’s trust and get the professor back, then we have to do it!

There’s no use in arguing with her. I know that look in your eyes, Abi. You’ve already made up your mind to do this, I said, as she nodded.

Why do they want a ball, though? It doesn’t make sense? Molly asked.

Of course it does. They want her exposed and they want to see what she is capable of. The Committee never does anything without a purpose or gain for themselves, Mack stated as he stood and started pacing. Something will happen at this party. I don’t know what, but they will put her in jeopardy. That we can be certain of.

"And that, Mack, we can agree on. They are planning something," I said, deciding that now was the time to tell them everything that had happened. As I explained the whole story, I watched all of the different reactions, but mostly I watched Abi’s.

Then how do we even know the professor’s still alive? Molly questioned.

We don’t. But The Committee loves to play games and toy with people’s emotions. Killing Rueben ends these games and does not help their cause. So I have to presume that they haven’t killed him…yet. However, we know Rueben trusted them, I continued. Therefore, Rueben either talked or he was made to talk. These are very powerful people we are dealing with, and they have certain ways of ascertaining things.

What does that mean, Gabe? Abi asked.

It means they know a lot and I mean a lot of information about us. They knew about your powers. They knew when you used them and how we defeated Abaddon. Basically, they know too much, and my concerns are their powers of persuasion. Did Rueben give it up willing or did they…

Torture him, Hudson finished.

Torture him? Why would they do that? I mean if what you’re saying is true and he is their ally, then why would they need to torture him? Abi demanded.

Because that’s what they do, Abi. It’s what they’ve always done. They torture, probe, and dissect us to find out what we are and what we are capable of, Molly announced, standing up and heading over to the large window. Mack walked over to her and gave her shoulders a squeeze. It’s what they did to me. Molly turned around and tears were streaming down her face.

I got her out before coming to Waverley, Mack stated.

Mack is the only reason I am standing here and not in some cage. He rescued me and we headed straight for Waverley. Nonetheless, I was caged in a lab for weeks before he got to me, and they poked and prodded, trying to test all my capabilities. Making me shift between human and shapeshifter…Oh, God, it was awful!

Mack pulled Molly into his large arms. "Shh, mo dheirfiúr, everything is fine. You are safe now," Mack said, his Irish accent very noticeable.

I’m so sorry, Molly, I continued, I didn’t mean to bring up painful memories.

Sobs were returned to me instead of words.

I think I’ll take her upstairs. But keep me posted on the plan. You know I’m down for whatever, Mack said, escorting Molly out of the room.

Wow, didn’t I feel like an ass.

Oh, don’t worry about her, Ester started. She’ll be fine; it’s still fresh, is all. But back to Rueben, what do you think, Gabe? Do you think they broke him, or are you worried he talked willingly?

Well, that’s the thing, I don’t know. We haven’t seen or heard from him. So we can only assume two options; that he talked or he was tortured, I stated.

Do you want Ester and I to do a locator spell? I mean, if Rueben is being tortured shouldn’t we get him out of there? Sage asked.

We can’t. We made an agreement with them. Throw a ball and introduce Abi to society and we’ll get Rueben back, and right now we have no reason but to believe them, I said.

Hudson started shaking his head, So now we trust them? We just spent the last hour talking about how they can’t be trusted.

No. We don’t trust them, at all. But we’re backed in a corner and have no choice but to do what they ask. If we play their games and be mindful of what’s happening, I’m hopeful that The Committee will finally help us and we’ll get Rueben back…if he even wants to come back to us, I declared.

So we believe them, but we don’t trust them, Hudson said.

I nodded. We definitely don’t trust them. You were there, Hudson, they know too much. They know things that are very private and can probably be used against us, I stated.

Like what? Abi asked.

Let’s just say they know about Mack’s feelings and…my own. It was a conversation that I didn’t want to have, but unfortunately it seemed unavoidable at this time. What they do with this information is yet to be seen.

For God’s sake! Why does that matter? Ester demanded.

I don’t know, but they will use it against us. I can promise you that, I said.

They were also very interested in Abi’s powers. The woman who gave us our orders kept asking questions about it, Hudson said.

Would you say they were orders or threats? I asked Hudson sarcastically.

Yeah, yeah, more like threats, but either way, Hudson continued, The Committee wants to know everything they can about Abi and her powers.

So what do we do? Sage asked.

Well, it looks like we’re throwing a ball and having Abi meet society. I don’t see too many ways around that, but they want Abigail for something and that is what we have to find out, I disclosed.

Agreed. We need to understand why they want her and more importantly, protect Abi when they strike, Hudson stated. Because we all know they will.

I just don’t understand why they are going through all this trouble. Why did they have to take Rueben? Why not just ask us to throw a ball? I would have done it without them kidnapping and playing games. We need information and help from them and they need something from me. Couldn’t we have come to a better understanding without all of this drama? Abi asked.

Because they’re up to something. They wanted the upper hand and now they have it. Like Mack said earlier, this is what The Committee does, they play games and now we have no choice but to do their bidding. So all I can ask is that we play along, throw this ball, introduce Abi to society, but be mindful of what’s happening, I stated.

Everyone nodded in approval, including Abi and then the room grew very silent.

Let’s get some sleep. The ball will be in a few days, so we have time to come up with a plan and make preparations. For now, rest is required, I said.

I watched my friends and comrades leave to their respective quarters as the parlor emptied out. My thoughts were scattered and I wondered what we would do? Not only did we have to defeat the Devil, now we had to play mind games with The Committee.

Abi, wait. Can I have a moment?

"Of course. What is it, Gabe?

I want you to understand, this is a very dangerous party.

I do, Gabe. She reached up to brush my hair away. I backed away and watched her hand fall. Gabe…

No, Abi, I told you. This cannot happen. I let the words sink in. Before, you said you weren’t scared, but you should be, Abi. You should be terrified. People, demons and probably knights are coming for you. Fear would do you some good. Tears streaked her cheeks.

Goodnight, Gabe, she said leaving the room.

Wow. I was on a roll tonight.

Chapter 2

Abigail

THE NEXT FEW days flew by. There were many things that had to be done before my Grand Ball. The mansion had become chaos; every room was filled with decorations or samples of food and dresses. Did I mention that I had to wear a gown?

Even with all these activities to pre-occupy me, my mind always returned to the professor. Had he betrayed us? If yes, then why? Why would he turn on us, on me? It just didn’t add up. In my heart of hearts, I wanted to believe that Professor Rueben would never betray us, unless they had tortured him and he had had no choice. I know the others had their theories, but no one would talk to me about them. Once again, I had been left out of the loop. Hudson, Mack and Gabe had been meeting regularly to talk about strategy and plans, while I had had to get dancing and etiquette lessons. Why? Who knows? The world was possibly ending, because of my dear old dad, and I was learning about dancing and dresses and posture.

I had to admit that I enjoyed the dancing.

However, all day and every day of these things were starting to become repetitive and tiresome. And of course, Gabe was still avoiding me. In all honesty, this ball couldn’t come fast enough; because once it was done we could get down to business. The Committee would finally have to help us defeat my father and hopefully Professor Rueben would be returned to us…in one piece.

Oh, God, my father. That was a whole other basket of problems. I hadn’t seen or heard from him or his minions since we left Waverley a week ago. The talk around the mansion was that he was retreating, for now, because we had defeated one of his best demons, Abaddon. However, Lucifer would be back. This had bought us some time, but this war was far from over.

I glanced down and took another gander in the floor length mirror. The dress I was wearing had been picked out for me by Lady Catherine. I hated it. It was red and gaudy and my fair skin looked extremely pale. Not flattering. Most of these dresses were not my type of thing. They were all ball gowns with a wire corset to accentuate my features. I thought we were in the 21st century, but apparently this is what has to be worn. I had three more dresses to try on, one from Sage, one from Ester and one from Molly. I really hoped I liked their choices better than this train wreck.

A knock came from my door. Abi, can I come in?

Yeah, of course, Sage. The petite, black haired beauty entered my room and tilted her head to the side. It’s awful, I know.

Well, not awful, just not…flattering, she said.

I glanced back in the mirror. Nope, not flattering at all.

Can you untie me? I asked.

I watched in the mirror as Sage approached me, and noticed a faint smile spread across her face.

What? I questioned.

Nothing, she continued, it’s just…who’d have thought you’d be wearing a dress in London when this all started, and attend a Grand Ball, and in your honor, nonetheless.

As Sage untied the corset I ran my hands down the fine, silk fabric and thought about how far we’d come, but how much we had lost to get here. And the terrible thing was; there would be more loss. I stared at my hands and remembered the feeling I had had when I had used my powers and killed all of those demons. It was a feeling that I couldn’t forget. It was one of power and strength. I’d been practicing for the last week, trying to see if I could use them on command, but so far I’ve just been stretching my fingers. It seems I have to be angry to use my powers. In any case, any time I look at my hands now a sense of power comes over me. I was capable of so much and everyone was right, I hadn’t even tapped my full potential.

What are you thinking about? Sage asked as she pulled the corset loose.

My powers, actually.

Have you used them since that last battle? she questioned, her eyes meeting mine in the mirror, concern growing on her face.

No. Well, I’ve been practicing. Trying to see if I can do it on command, but so far there’s been nothing, so don’t worry, I answered.

How does it work, Abi? Your powers, I mean, Sage wondered.

I honestly don’t know. It seems to happen when I start to get angry. I can feel my blood start to rise and then I place my hand on the demons and boom! They disintegrate, becoming ash. It’s not a feeling I can explain.

Here, try this one on, Sage said, handing me a dark green dress.

I let the awful, red dress fall to the floor and stood in my bra and underwear, as Sage helped me into a forest-green dress with black beading on the corset and black lace ties on the back. Sage started to lace me up as I adjusted the capped sleeves and then let my hair fall down my back. I stared in the mirror and my mouth dropped. This was the dress.

Sage’s eyes met mine and we smiled.

You’re beautiful! she exclaimed.

Thank you, I whispered, running my hands, once again, down the silk fabric. This is the dress, Sage. I choose this one.

It brings out the green in your eyes and your blonde hair looks fantastic against the green, Sage said. You’re going to steal the show; all eyes will be on you!

I did a turn in front of the mirror and I had to admit that it was very flattering. It really did make my features pop. I felt beautiful in it.

Should I wear my hair up? Or down like this? I asked, gesturing to my wavy hair.

Sage started shaking her head. I like the way you have it now. We’ll just add a few more curls for volume.

Another knock sounded from my door.

Come in, Sage and I said in unison.

Molly and Ester entered my room.

Wow, you look amazing. That is your colour, Molly declared, coming to sit on my bed. Is this the dress, then?

Yes, I answered, walking away from the mirror.

Did you even try our choices on? Ester demanded.

No, she didn’t. She tried on this one, Sage said, showing them the red one. And then this. And this just looks amazing on her.

And you didn’t push her in any way, Ester continued, to choose yours?

No, Ester! She chose this on her own, Sage answered.

Well, why don’t you try on our choices? Ester asked.

Because I don’t need to. Thank you for picking one out for me, but this is the one I want, I said, stealing one last look in the mirror. Okay, Sage, untie me.

Ester went and sat beside Molly on my bed while Sage helped to undress me. I threw on a black t-shirt and a pair of jeans and came and sat on the couch across from the girls. We watched as Sage disappeared into the closet to hang up my dress. When she returned she sat down next to me. The four of us sat in silence for a few minutes.

So, the ball is tomorrow. You nervous? Molly asked.

Yeah, I guess I am. I’ve just never done anything like this before. I never even owned a dress.

Excuse me? You’ve never owned a dress before, Ester questioned.

Nope, didn’t see the point, they are usually expensive and therefore wasteful of what little money I had. Actually, I’ve never even been to a dance before.

Ester’s mouth dropped.

For God’s sake, what do you Americans do over there, besides eat fast food, Ester demanded. It was rhetorical.

Well, you’re very lucky, because not just anyone has their own ball thrown for them. This is a big deal, Abi. There will be princes’ and princesses here from all around the world. There will be dukes and duchesses and members of Parliament. A lot of important people, Sage said.

I started fidgeting.

Do they all know about this world, your world? I asked.

Oh, Heaven’s no! Only a handful will. The Committee members will, a select few high society members, such as Lady Catherine, a few Parliament members, and if any of the knights show up, Molly answered.

The knights? I asked.

The Knights of Templar. You’ve already met one, Vincent, Ester answered, as her cheeks started to match the colour of her red hair.

I forgot that they had a connection.

So only a few people will know about me and this world?

Yep, and it’s your world too, Abi.

I nodded. So why the big party then? I mean, if most of the guests are not in on the secret, why are they invited?

Because its protocol and The Committee does everything by protocol. They are introducing you to society. Therefore, a Grand Ball is in order, Molly said.

It just doesn’t add up. And why are they still keeping Rueben, if we’ve agreed to this ball? I asked.

That’s what we don’t know and that’s what Gabe, Hudson and Mack have been trying to figure out, Sage wondered.

Poor professor. I hope he’s okay, I whispered.

Me too, Sage agreed.

Unless he’s joined them, Ester said matter-of-factly. Then he deserves to rot in Hell, alongside your father.

I don’t think he’s with them. I have to believe that he wouldn’t betray us like that, except under terrible circumstances…like torture, I stated.

I hope you’re right, Abi, Molly piped in, not about being tortured, but his betrayal.

Thoughts of the professor being tortured filled my head and I had to push them aside in order to stay sane.

What time is it, anyways? I requested.

Almost midnight, Ester answered, and I’m going to bed. Goodnight, ladies.

Me too…sleep tight, Abi. You have a big day tomorrow, Molly said, before exiting with Ester.

I glanced over at Sage.

It’s okay, you can leave too. I know you haven’t seen much of Hudson, I said.

You sure? she asked.

Yeah, I’ll be fine. Just going to wash up and then crawl into bed.

She gave me a troubling look.

Abi, you sure you’re okay? How are things with Gabe?

I’m fine and honestly I don’t want to talk about him.

So that good, huh, Sage said, getting to her feet.

Yeah, that good, I responded, looking at my feet.

Well, I’m right down the hall if you need me, even if you just want to talk or hang out.

Thanks, Sage, but I’m good. I’ll see you in the A.M.

Okay, she whispered as she headed to my door. He loves you, Abi. He just shouldn’t, so he’s conflicted.

I’ve heard it all before, Sage. Goodnight, I said, finishing this conversation.

Goodnight, Abi.

As the door closed, tears filled my eyes and I got up from the couch and headed to my en-suite bathroom. I washed up and crawled into the massive, canopy bed, hoping and praying that Gabe would knock on the door and say goodnight, but he didn’t. He hadn’t all week.

How pathetic was I?

And praying…like God was going to help me. I wanted one of his angels, his soldiers, to fall in love and be with me. There was going to be no help from the big guy on this.

I closed my eyes and pulled the comforters around me, and instantly my thoughts were of Gabe. His face, his mouth, his hair. He was perfection. And he was all I could see when I closed my eyes.

Wow! Can you say pa-the-tic?

I needed to get over this whole Gabe thing. I loved a man that could never love me back. Can you say ‘daddy issues?’ I had to get my head around the fact that Gabe can’t be with me or won’t, who knows. Either way, we weren’t going to end up together. I needed to understand those words and let them sink in.

I was alone.

You think I’d be used to that by now.

Chapter 3

Gabriel

IT HAD BEEN days since I had seen Abi. She had been busy preparing for the ball. I knew Lady Catherine probably had her doing everything from dance classes, to etiquette and posture training. And Abi would hate all of it.

I had made it very clear that I wouldn’t be able to see her. Every time I was around her it stirred things in me, brought back feelings that should be kept dormant. She had an effect on me and everyone knew it. I wanted to give her space, but the truth was…I needed space.

So for the last few days I stayed hauled up in the library going over the Dark Books, and gathering as much information as possible on all the different demons. These two books were going to be very useful in our fight against Hell. There were chapters upon chapters on each creature, demon and angel. However, the troubling thing was the last few pages of book two. Two or three of the pages had been ripped out completely. There were many people who would have wanted these books and the information inside. I needed to find out what was on those pages, because I had a feeling that was the material we were going to need.

Mack, Hudson and I had also been trying to figure out the motives of The Committee, but we were at a dead end. Why were they still keeping Rueben? Why hadn’t they let him go? I wanted to believe the best in Rueben, I wanted to believe that he would never betray us. Betray Abigail. However, he had always been loyal to The Committee. I had met Rueben several years ago; he had been just a boy at the time.

For many years before Abi was reborn, I wandered this earth making alliances and preparing for war. I wanted to be ready for her arrival. So I traveled this wonderful planet and got a better understanding of humans and creatures. Each place brought new adventures and allies, and each city allowed me to see the beauty in this world. I spent years observing different cultures and learning about religions. I found all the different religions to be quite bizarre, because for the most part, they all believed in the same thing. They just had different variations. For that reason, wars about religion troubled me. God loved everyone, no matter what. I knew this for a fact. So when I heard of an organization, not just a religious group, that wanted to serve God and his angels, I knew I had to meet them. That was when my travels brought me to Crawley, where The Committee used to be situated. When I first arrived I was taken in by a family that served them. Rueben’s family. His father had worked for the head of The Committee. Back then The Committee seemed harmless enough; a bunch of human’s intent on guarding and protecting their world. And after a few months of learning about their accomplishments and goals, I continued on my travels. As the years went on, however, rumors about The Committee started to spread. Creatures complained that they were too violent. Humans said they were shifty and dangerous. The overall consensus was that they were not to be trusted. But by that time, I had more vital concerns…Abigail. So I ignored the rumors and continued on with the only missions that mattered, to protect the Saviour and fulfill the prophecy. Eventually, Rueben and I did reconnect. He found me in Waverley and explained that he wanted to help and that his whole life had been dedicated to assisting Abigail. How could I refuse? He never hid his beliefs and obligation to The Committee; in fact, he always shared his devotion for them. But he had also proven himself to us and to Abigail and over the last eighteen years he has done nothing but show us his loyalty. So why now?

As questions about the past and future circled my brain, I refocused on the present. I glanced at the large, dark wood, grandfather clock and noticed that the time was three in the morning. I should be going up to bed, but my room was a few doors down from Abi and I didn’t want to chance seeing her. Instead I walked over to the large sofa in the library and sprawled out on it. Hudson had left me a few hours ago, saying something about needing sleep. However, everyone knows vampires don’t really sleep, especially at night. I knew he wanted to be with Sage and far away from me. My temper, as of late, had been unbearable and I was still trying to figure out why. But deep down I knew why, I just couldn’t read too much into it. What I wanted and what I had to do, were two completely different things. Therefore, I stayed away from Abi and my temper flared. It was the right thing to do, for both of us. Nonetheless, I knew the house was growing tired of my mood swings.

I closed my eyes and pictured Abi’s beautiful face. I remembered the moment she had kissed me, right before coming to London and how confident she’d been. I had never been more attracted to her. I thought about a few days ago, when she had brushed the hair off my forehead and told me she wasn’t scared. She had been perfect. And I had pushed her away. The image of her face after that moment had been the most painful. She had looked devastated, as if she finally realized it was done. I didn’t want to do it and it’s been weighing on my mind ever since, but what choice did I have?

To be with her, means losing myself as an angel. Becoming Human. And how could I protect her if I was just a human? I couldn’t, that was the answer. So I sacrificed us, to protect her. In my heart, I’ve always known it was the right decision.

Too bad she doesn’t see it that way.

I stared up at the ceiling and then glanced around the old library. It was the most beautiful room in all of this over stuffed mansion. It had some of the most beautiful pieces of artifacts and paintings imaginable. Lady Catherine’s husband had been a collector of antiques and this room showcased that. He had died many years ago from cancer. Even wealth can’t save you when it’s your time to go. Catherine never came into this room. Too many memories, she always said. Nonetheless, as I looked around I couldn’t help but appreciate all of these beautiful pieces of history.

But as I glanced at a painting that I knew all too well, my body responded by sitting up and going over to it. It was a painting that had been depicted many years ago, 12th century to be exact. It was of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel. This was the original, I could tell just by looking at it. The replica was hanging at Saint Catherine’s Monastery, in Mount Sinai. I hadn’t seen this painting in centuries. The world had been so simple back then. My duties had been so simple, guard and protect Heaven. Fast forward, and now we’re at war and my duties are to protect the savior of earth and Heaven. Was I going to be able to do it? Or was I doomed to fail from the beginning? Questions I ask myself way too often. I was exhausted, mentally and physically.

I went back to the sofa and sprawled out. I knew where I was going as sleep took a hold of me.

The white room.

Hello, Gabriel, old friend, Michael said, still dressed in his war attire: a blue breast plate, white tunic and gladiator sandals.

Would you say we are friends, Michael?

I’d say more like brothers. You hold disdain towards me. Why? he asked as he circled the white chair I sat in.

My you’re observant, broth—

The slap came quick and hard. Blood trickled down my mouth as Michael stood in front of me. His red hair tousled and his blues eyes becoming very intense.

"Your tone is not appreciated. You forget your place, angel!"

"Archangel. You may be our leader, but you forget that I too am powerful! I said, wiping away the blood on my lips. I know my place and it is not too far from yours."

His laugh echoed through me.

Oh, Gabriel, why do we do this? Let us not fight, we are brethren. We are kin you and I. As a show of good will, here. My war attire appeared on my lap.

Why now? I asked.

You will need it soon. That is all you need to know.

Where have you been? I have been calling to you, begging you to come see me. And you choose now!

"Gabriel, you have been human far