Let Them Fall: Who will she choose?

By Meg Wilson

Aurora, a vengeful hybrid Archangel, has moved through time gathering objects that will help to hide her true identity from Tristan, a Guardian Angel who is eternally inflicted with guilt from his past. He has something she needs, and she will do anything to retrieve it.As she and her Fallen Angels wage war against the Gods, her heart wages war

• Language: English
• Publisher: Meg Wilson
• Release date: Feb 17, 2019
• ISBN: 9780648480716

Book preview

Prologue

The Pit - Present Day

‘Do you believe she will fight?’ whispered Kingston as he stared out onto the burning horizon. Tristan, his current demeanour composed, turned his head towards his friend.

‘Yes. I believe she will,’ he answered with quiet calm. ‘She is fulfilling a prophecy that was fated to her before time itself. An absurd and damning fable that was written in the stars by those unforgiveable witches. The same witches who thread time and torture souls for their own enjoyment, as you know. Only the Gods would know why she holds them in such high esteem, especially since it was they who condemned her in the first place!’

He turned his head back towards the line of shadows outstretched before them. His heart pounding in his ears, hoping that what he had just said would not come to be. For she was not just his enemy. It would not be that easy. She was his light when darkness took him, which, since he had first met her, had happened often. She was that someone he had entrusted his whole heart to centuries ago. She was the only one he had ever loved in all of his existence and she knew that. He anticipated she would use it to her advantage this very day. Quietly, he whispered her angelic name, hoping it would summon her somehow. ‘Aurora,’ he breathed, ‘don’t do this’. She had betrayed Tristan not long ago and that cavernous wound she had carved into his soul still bleeds. She had asked for his forgiveness, though he wasn’t sure how he could. The wound was too deep.

Kingston looked to his friend and for a moment, he imagined the Fates twisting their thread of despair around Tristan’s soul, tighter and tighter until the thread would finally break. They had known one another a long time, fought beside each other in the many wars of men, protecting mortals, and for what? Kingston was at a loss as much as his brother in arms was. They had been slowly losing their faith in the Gods, bit by bit, as doubt wrapped itself around them. Tristan had trained Kingston to become the Guardian that he was today and he would do anything to repay that. But the one thing he knew he couldn’t do was the one thing that Tristan required most, and he didn’t know how to help him, not with that. Kingston saw that Tristan was lost in her, his mind belonged to Aurora as well as his heart. He would never admit that every piece of him was drawn to her, the commander of their enemy. All he could do was stand by Tristan’s side in what could possibly be their final battle together. If the rumours were true about her, then it would be a magnificent one at that. Gripping the handle of his weapon that hung just above his waist, Kingston turned his eyes onto the field of warriors that stood in the distance before them.

‘They’re not too shabby,’ he said attempting to change the mood.

‘Meaning what exactly?’ asked Tristan.

‘Well, for a mixture of mortals and the Fallen, I’d say she has outdone herself by bringing them all together. Not even they could do that,’ he replied and looked up towards the Heavens. Tristan forced a smile at his friend in response. Aurora was something of an enigma to them, the Gods, their creators. Not to Tristan however. He knew who she was, what she wanted, and he understood that she would do anything to get it, even if it meant his own destruction and the total annihilation of humanity. They had been waiting in this place for hours now, forming rows like cattle to the slaughter, prepared to fight to the death if the need arose. In the command brief the Gods had ordered that only a small company of warriors would be required to quell this small nuisance, and that this very battle would be a mere speck of dust within the sands of time itself. Tristan glanced sideways down the line of Angels and Nephilim and knew it wasn’t enough, and wondered why they were worth so little to their creators. A speck of dust he reminded himself, that is all that we are to them.

Closing his eyes, he reached back within his memory to Aurora’s last touch. The yearning that he had felt when he looked deep within her emerald eyes clawed at his wounded heart bringing him back to the present again where the air was still, but the smell of sulphur wound its way around them like coils of blackened fog. Its stench strengthening with every inch it gained. It was a putrid reminder of the

Demons lingering below. The Pit was a place where no Angel would choose to enter willingly. However, there was something down there, locked away, deep within the scorching vaults that Aurora wanted and nothing, or no one, would stop her from getting it. Not even Tristan.

He glanced back towards his own warriors, Nephilim Watchers, the descendants of Fallen Angels who have chosen a life of servitude in the protection of mortals. They were young but strong of mind. Even with their show of fearlessness, he could see the unease deep within their eyes. This would be their first battle against such a force. They were used to one-on-one combat, not legions of warriors all at once. All he could do at this moment was give them a convincing smile and hope that it lifted their spirits. Tristan may be their commander but he wasn’t one of them. Unlike them, he was a true Angel, a Guardian, their Guardian Angel for want of a better term. Kingston and he were both Guardians, sent to train and protect the Watchers. At first it was a punishment, but after some time had passed, they grew to enjoy it and actually cherish their time on the mortal plain.

Unnerving silence took hold of all of them as Tristan glanced back towards his brother in arms. ‘Is there something else you wish to say?’ said Tristan, as he turned his gaze towards the enemy.

‘Do you think she will fight you?’ asked Kingston, his voice a soft murmur.

Looking up into the night sky he said, ‘she has not come here for me brother. She wants him’. Looking away from the stars above, he focused his glance to the burning pit behind his troops of Nephilim.

‘If I get in her way, however, she will have no other choice but to fight me.’ Kingston followed his friend’s gaze towards the flames.

‘She will not get to him, nor you. The Valkyrie will stop her in her tracks. With the Three leading the way, we will win this night.’

Grinning at his naive friend, Tristan gripped his broad shoulder in his left hand. ‘Do you really believe a company of Seraph Warriors or even three Archangels are going to stop her? After everything we have seen her do! Do you think she will allow them to stop her from getting to him? Don’t be so naive brother, she has a plan, a plan she forged long ago through many different timelines. She will see it through no matter who stands in her way,’ said Tristan, letting go of Kingston’s shoulder and resuming his gaze on the horizon.

‘There’s movement,’ said Kingston, excitement growing in his voice. ‘Look there, it must be the Warlords.’

Tristan’s eyes followed Kingston’s and saw the movement within the shadows, at least three or four miles in front of them. The centre ranks parted and one at a time, the enemy Warlords emerged. Styx, a tall nymph-like Fallen Angel with porcelain skin and ebon hair came first. She was Commanding Officer of the Fallen, and once a true friend. She chose to side with Aurora’s father during the Fall and had lost her wings in the process. Second, was a mortal known as MacGregor. It was rumoured that Aurora had found him on the battle grounds of Culloden, looking Death in the eyes when she found him. She offered him a deal, to serve her or perish with the rest of his Scottish brethren. Obviously, he decided against the latter. He was a burley sort of being, with fiery locks of amber hair tied behind his head and a stern look upon his aged and unshaven face. He led the Unknown forces of her army, a mixture of mortal kith and kin of those she had met throughout the ages across Europe. Even with her diverse mix of races, they were all armoured in similar garb with coppery chest plates, helmets and brown leather bodices. The only differences were their commanders. Instead of copper, they wore gold with blackened leather.

The most majestic looking, thus far, and third Warlord to take up his position was Balthazar, Aurora’s Second in Command and most trusted adviser. He was a cunning creature of darkness that could take on the form of any living thing within the realm. His classical looks and sun-kissed skin won him the minds of many and his crystal-like eyes mesmerised the soul. Tristan could see straight through them however. He had known Balthazar a long and arduous time. He had kept Aurora from him all of these years, taken her as a child. He had at first thought Balthazar had brutally murdered her foster family, the family Tristan had left her with as an infant to guide and protect her and to ensure her power was kept hidden from creatures such as him. But he was wrong. Balthazar hadn’t murdered them, something else did that, but he did take her. Balthazar had saved her life in the end, not Tristan. He didn’t fulfil his promise to her father and his failure became his curse. It was as though the recent torment she had put him through was her vengeance for his failure. He could almost understand that; however, he knew the truth, he knew she loved him, and he loved her. Curiously, the enemy turned swiftly inwards, facing someone or something he could not see.

‘What do you think is going on over there?’ asked Kingston. Tristan tried to focus more, but there were too many enemy warriors standing between them and what they were themselves looking so intently at.

‘I could not tell you. You know what I do brother.’ Was all he said. Then they heard a great roar from the enemy, and just as swiftly as they had turned inwards, in a moment they were facing out again. Tristan saw a glitter of light break through the cracks of Aurora’s vanguard. The legions dispersed like dominoes and he saw her glide through to stand in front of her Warlords. She was as perfect as the last time they had spoken. Clad in ancient golden armour, with her braided silver hair held tight behind her shoulders. She held no weapons but for the scythes that rested on her back, with something else that held what looked like arrow heads. She was what humans would describe as elf-like, or a mythical Viking Queen, which made her stand out among her people. Proof that she was very much from the Archangel bloodline. She was not only beautiful but also majestic, a creature from a child’s storybook. Tristan was painfully in awe of her. His heart ached at what she had done to him. He tried to look away, to focus on the battle that would begin at any moment but their eyes had met. She mouthed something to him, a message to him alone. It wasn’t until he realised what it was she had said that he felt a searing pain rip through his chest. He looked down and saw the shaft of an arrow imbedded in his armour. The glowing head now neatly tucked inside his heart. He put his hand to the bloody mess beneath his breastplate and looked back at Aurora in shock as he fell to his knees. She placed a bow back into the hands of one of her warriors and unsheathing her scythes, she bellowed a war cry to begin the carnage.

Kingston held his friend in his arms wishing that there were something he could do to save him. The problem was he had no idea what the daughter of Lucifer had done to him. He pulled the arrow out of Tristan’s chest. The tip was gone, no longer on the arrow but not within Tristan’s body either. This was a new weapon that they had not seen before. Tristan spoke but Kingston could not comprehend him. ‘Quiet my brother. It’ll only cause you more pain.’

But Tristan needed to say it aloud, to make sure he hadn’t dreamt it.

‘Did you see what she said?’ he gurgled as blood slowly dripped from the corners of his mouth.

‘I didn’t. I didn’t see anything.’ Looking down at his brother, he leaned in to hear his whisper.

‘She said ....’ and Tristan closed his eyes.

Chapter One

Before the Fall

Lucifer and Corvis observed the novices from afar, assessing the adequate Seraphim from the inadequate ones. The Seraphim who had completed their training were nearly equal in strength and ability to him and his siblings, the Archangels. Not exactly equal, but just close enough that if any of them were to fall out of line, there would be other Angels strong enough to correct them. Of course, the Valkyrie, an unbiased security force of Seraph Warriors and the High Guard, the protectors of the Gods, had to be in groups of at least three, or they could be overpowered by just one Archangel. The High Guard itself was run by the Archangels, therefore, an alternate force within the Kingdom was required to match it, hence the creation of the Valkyrie. Obviously, this was just a precaution, they would never be required to attack or defend against the first children of the Gods, so the Valkyrie’s first priority was to investigate celestial criminal activity within the newly created realm of mortals. The Archangels were highly favoured by the Gods, especially Lucifer, he could do no wrong in their eyes. He was the perfect son. The Seraphim, on the other hand, are first created as Lower Angels. Only specific Angels of a certain calibre make it to the elevated heights of the Seraphim. However, if they fail the first stage of Seraph training, they have the option of becoming a Guardian of mortals or working as Sentinels within the Pit, confining those created by the Gods who were a mistake, most however, choose to be Guardians. Therefore, perfection was key for the Angels who would strive to become a Seraph Warrior.

Lucifer was far from perfect. He had only come to assess this particular Seraph training session because there was one member of the troop he specifically wanted to join his Guard. And, if he had left it all for Celeste to decide, it was likely only one or two out of the twenty in front of him would rise to the next phase of the training. Celeste was a hard woman, fantastic trainer and brilliant strategist, but severe in attitude and remorseless in her instruction. To this very day, he could not believe she was the twin sister of the woman that he loved. However, Lucifer saw Celeste as the favourite of the Gods, because she was everything he was not; righteous and unforgiving. He couldn’t care less about their wants or needs. He was a self-centred arrogant arse according to his sister Uriel. The Archangels were required to command the armies of the Gods and fight on their behalf. Lucifer refused and left that task to his brother Michael. Lucifer would fight for no one unless it benefited him in some way. Normally, insubordination would be punished, especially if it was towards the creators but, as usual, he got away with it. He was their greatest warrior and he knew it, so did Celeste, which is why she despised him. There was a deep and unforgiving hatred that burned in her eyes each time she had to look and speak to him. He was her superior, so naturally, to her dismay, she was forced to do this daily. He rather enjoyed it though, watching her squirm. Of course, the outcome was that she took her anger out on the novices, unfortunately for them. Balthazar, her Second, didn’t even bother trying to calm her down. Like Lucifer, he disliked Celeste, but loved her sister, albeit in a different way than Lucifer did. If Celeste had any idea about the connection between her sister and Lucifer, it would be the end of everything he knew. She would destroy everything that he loved, even if it meant destroying her sister in the process. The twins were the opposite of each other, one was cruel, while the other was kind, but Pandora did have her flaws like many other Seraphim, Lucifer knew that. But she was nothing like Celeste.

Corvis laughed a little when he saw her quickly glance in their direction. He was a member of Lucifer’s High Guard. Somewhat of a privilege. Just because Lucifer wouldn’t fight a war for the Gods, didn’t mean he wouldn’t be their protector. He was, after all, the Commanding Officer of the High Guard. The sisters Celeste and Pandora, who also instructed the training that would lead them to either fail or pass today’s trials, jointly led the Valkyrie, his opposition. Right now, Lucifer and Corvis were looking for new members, one in particular.

‘So, boss, are you going to torment her today?’ Corvis asked Lucifer as he looked away from Celeste’s violent eyes.

‘I would like to say no this one time, but just being here is probably causing her some discomfort already. I think I’ll be good today. I wouldn’t want to make this morning’s drill practice more difficult than it has to be. As I said, just being here is starting to burn a fire under her, which isn’t turning out well for poor Christian over there. She’s really going at him for not lacing his armour correctly,’ said Lucifer, smirking.

‘He’s not getting over that anytime soon,’ said Corvis.

‘No, he is not. I wonder where Pandora is this fine morning?’ he asked casually.

‘I believe she has the morning off, said something about going for a walk.’

‘Very well. Keep a good eye on Tristan. His skills as a warrior are promising.’

Corvis did as he asked, watching Tristan’s swift movements with the sword as he sparred with his partner. Corvis was a master swordsman, which he guessed was why Lucifer asked him to join him this morning in his hunt for their newest member of the Guard. Though there was one other novice that had caught his attention; Styx he believed her name was. Her movements were as graceful as the wind. He had seen her before, walked passed her in the garden, but as she was just a Lower Angel, they never really had a reason to talk. This gave him an opportunity to introduce himself to her, and possibly challenge her. Or, have her combat Tristan. At least then they could truly see who was worthy of the position within the Guard. Lucifer was just about to walk over to Celeste when Corvis stopped him.

‘I have a suggestion,’ he said. Lucifer looked curiously at his brother in arms.

‘Go on,’ he said, raising an eyebrow.

‘Perhaps we should hold a trial? You see, I believe there is more than one novice among this lot that could join our ranks. But if you’re only looking for the one, I think we should have Tristan combat Styx. In observing them, I noticed she was equal to him in skill, if not better in some aspects. Neither of them knows why we are here. Would it hurt to test them both?’ asked Corvis.

Lucifer smiled, ‘No I guess it wouldn’t hurt, not me in any case. Though, we could make this a little more interesting for the two of us?’ he suggested, rolling a gold coin backwards and forward along the top of his knuckles of his right hand.

‘I’m in. Let’s say ten gold coins each, winner takes all,’ beamed Corvis.

‘Agreed,’ smiled Lucifer.

‘Celeste, can you come over here a moment?’ yelled Lucifer, grinning ear to ear.

∗

Tristan had been training since dawn to ensure Celeste passed him onto the next phase of training where you could be chosen for either the Valkyrie or the High Guard. Becoming either was difficult, as they were where the elite soldiers of the Gods were placed. But it was the High Guard that gave you any real honour among Angels. Especially since there were so many Angels within the Kingdom. Being selectively chosen from the many highlighted that you were indeed the cream of the crop. He had been working hard to get to this point but he knew the others with him this day had also been working just as hard. Especially Styx, his competition, and friend. She reminded him of Celeste but somewhat kinder and with a personality. He knew, if he was ever put up against her in combat, she would probably win. He wouldn’t admit it and he wouldn’t go down without a long hard and drawn out fight but he knew deep down, she could end him. Unfortunately for him, battle came naturally to her. He was more of a protector, which is why he was first chosen to go into Guardian training. It was he who requested to be transferred to the Seraph. He wanted to do something different, something unpredictable. Guardian training was predictable. What hadn’t been predicted was that he had passed the first phase of Seraph training and was now up to the third of four phases. Number one was basic; learning discipline, defensive and attack moves as well as strategy. Two was their initial training in the two different directions Seraph instruction could lead you. Three was everything you have learnt thus far, with challenges included to lead you to the next phase, if you passed. The fourth and final phase was where you would ultimately end up, the Valkyrie or the Guard. Both Styx and Tristan wanted the Guard. Seeing Lucifer and Corvis show up at their final test meant that they had that chance. Tristan watched Celeste eye the novices to see which ones she was going to partner up next for the final trial. He had been sparring with Demeter for the past hour and knew he wouldn’t be partnered up with her again. His calibre of fighting was stronger than Christian’s, so that was a no go. There were many others like Nateri or Odin he could be partnered with but there was just the one that he knew he was equal to, if not lesser than on occasion. Lucifer called Celeste over to him and they spoke for a bitter moment. Time always seemed to go too slow in these particular settings. After what had looked like a painful transaction for Celeste, she walked straight over to Styx and then called on Tristan. I knew it, he thought to himself as he walked over to face his doom.

∗

Lucifer attentively watched Tristan and Styx in their contest, praying to himself for his guy to win. He wasn’t a fan of losing. They were both quite agile and smooth in their movements, it was honestly the best fight he had watched in a long time. Styx favoured the double dagger, while Tristan worked with a short sword. Styx had cut Tristan’s armour a number of times so far, while Tristan had relieved her of one of her daggers, knocking it out of her hand. It stuck out of the ground metres away from them. She changed from weaponry to hand-to-hand combat seamlessly and Tristan adapted just as easily, ridding himself of his own weapon. They were an equal match until she got the better of him with an armbar, leading Tristan to give in to her reluctantly before it ended in a break. He had lost. Lucifer had other thoughts however, to his dilemma. Corvis slapped him on the back in enthusiasm.

‘Fantastic! Shall I go inform Styx of her prize?’ he asked with a grin.

‘What prize would that be brother?’ Lucifer looked at him puzzled.

‘The one where we offer her a position in the Guard. Was that not our deal?’

goaded Corvis.

‘Not in the least. All you asked was that we hold a trial and have the two compete against one another. At no point did you suggest we offer her a place in the Guard if she were to win. All I owe you is a bag of twenty gold coins,’ he said, unperturbed. ‘Blast you! You knew what I meant. How can we not offer her a position after that fight? She was brilliant! Do you think her inferior to the rest of us?’ Corvis argued.

‘Okay, okay. Calm yourself brother, and no, I do not believe her to be inferior. I may not have promised what you suggest but may I make a different suggestion?’ he offered.

‘I’m all ears brother,’ said Corvis, eagerly.

Lucifer walked over to the two exhausted Angels sprawled out on their backs on the ground. They both looked up at him and rose to stand as quickly as they could, almost knocking each other to the ground once more.

‘My Lord, apologies. We didn’t realise you were there,’