The Fallen (The Alexandra Denton Chronicles) (8 page)

             
I shook my head, realizing how crazy I must seem as I jumped from one mood to another, “No, I don’t,” I said, through hiccups, “At least I don’t think I do.” 

             
“Did you get it all out?” Gloria asked, frowning. 

             
I nodded and then, looked at each of the Appointed, “Yes,” I said but then, I looked around again, “Are all the demons really gone?”

             
“Yes,” Gloria said, frowning. 

             
I swallowed as yet another mood hit me, “What do we tell all the people who were possessed?” I asked, looking up at Bastian, anxiously. 

             
He shook his head, “Nothing,” he said, shrugging, “They won’t remember anything but they will have a lapse of time.”

             
I sighed, feeling the tightness in my chest release, “At least we don’t have that to worry about.”

             
“I don’t think you should worry about anything for a while,” Gloria said, softly, “Let’s get you home so you can get some rest.”

             
I nodded as Ky led me to his car with the support of the rest of the Appointed. 

Chapter Ten

Facing the Facts

              Rest had seemed like a good idea at first but unfortunately rest was not something I did well.  I found that even though I was forcing my eyes closed I could not sleep.  Everything was playing through my mind and I found that even though we had won the latest battle there was more to come.  For the first time, I realized we were never going to be safe…not while we were awake…not while we were asleep. 

             
I trembled and I had to admit that I was afraid to close my eyes.   I was expecting for something to happen.  Still, no matter how afraid I was, sleep eventually did come and so did someone else.  I stiffened when I felt his caress on my cheek as soon as I fell into my dreams.  A tear slipped from my eye. 

             
“Alex,” I heard my name whisper to me, softly and I relaxed immediately, realizing that I was safe. 

             
I opened my eyes slowly and looked into the familiar planes of Semarias‘ face.  Unease slid through me only a moment later and I swallowed as I saw that his features were hardened but this time it wasn’t in anger.  It was in concern.

             
“I’m sorry,” he whispered, sitting on the edge of my bed, “I really am.” 

             
I blinked as I looked up at him.  The unease faded as I realized that the only thing wrong was Semarias’ guilt over hurting my feelings. 

             
I blinked again as tears burned my eyes at the memory of his callous behavior, “Are you mad at me?” I asked and even to myself, I sounded like a child. 

             
He shook his head in remorse, “No,” he sighed heavily, “I’m mad at myself.”

             
“Because you are in love with me?” I whispered, feeling my heart break just saying the words. 

             
He scoffed, “I’m not mad that I’m in love with you,” he said and waved that thought away, “I’m at the most peace when I’m with you.  Most of that is because I know that even though your love isn’t the same, you do love me.  I’m content with that.  I’m content with your friendship.”

             
“Then, what are you mad about?” I asked, frowning.

             
“I’m upset that the admission let me falter at my job,” he whispered, “I have put you in danger simply based upon my embarrassment.  I won’t do that again.”

             
I smiled sadly, “I’m glad,” I said in all sincerity, “I missed my friend.  You are the only one I can talk to about everything.  It hurts when you are unavailable.”

             
“You know most people aren’t able to talk to their guardian angels,” Semarias said with a small laugh, “They won’t answer back anyway.” 

             
“I know,” I said, laughing tiredly, “But I’m special.”

             
He grinned, “That, you are,” he said but then, he frowned, “So, talk to me.  Tell me what it is that is bothering you that you aren’t telling everyone else.  Tell me what’s causing this zap of your energy.”

             
“Everything,” I said, swallowing.

             
“Start explaining,” he said, taking my hand and rubbing small circles across the top with his thumb. 

             
“Let’s start with the small stuff,” I said, shrugging, “I have to be able to get along with Daniel.  I still care about him.  I want to be his friend.  Ky doesn’t want me to be alone with him.  His jealousy is really causing a lot of stress.”

             
Semarias nodded, “It’s natural for humans to be jealous when there is a threat.”

             
“There isn’t a threat,” I said with a frustrated sigh. 

             
“Are you sure?”  He asked with raised brows, “I mean really think about it.  How deep are your feeling for Daniel, really?”

             
I frowned, “He’s been my friend since I was little.”

             
Semarias’ brow shot up higher, “He’s been more than your friend since then.”

             
I blew air out from between my lips, “Yes,” I admitted, “He is but I would never cheat on Ky with him, even if I…”

             
“Love him,” he said, blinking down at me.

             
“Yes…even though I love him,” I said, sighing again.

             
“Now, try to figure out if you’re still in love with him,” Semarias said.

             
I didn‘t answer.  I just winced because on some level I knew it was the truth, “I’ll let you think about that one for a while,” he said, smirking, “But for the time being, try to reassure Ky that you wouldn’t betray him.”

             
I nodded and then, shifted, “I will do that,” I said and then, frowned as I studied him, “I know it doesn’t seem like it but I still have to ask…Are you sure you aren’t upset with me anymore?”

             
“I told you that I’m not upset with you,” he said, rolling his eyes, “Don’t worry about that anymore.  I’m back to being the same supportive me.”

             
“Good,” I said with a smile, “That’s the second thing.”

             
“Well, we got the boy problems straightened out,” he said, shaking his head with a grin, “What else?”

             
“The possessions,” I said, frowning.

             
“What about them?” He asked, tilting his head. 

             
“Something doesn’t feel exactly right,” I said with a shrug, “It felt so ridiculous that I started laughing…crazily.  This battle felt like a slap on the wrist.  I think it‘s just beginning.” 

             
My eyes widened as I realized that was exactly what was wrong.  It had felt like more of a fight when Jezebel and Asmodis faced us and there were only two of them. 

             
“It’s because it is a slap on the wrist,” he said, looking worried, “I hope that’s all it will be but I know Lucifer.”

             
My heart sank and fear slid down my spine, “What do you mean?”

             
He shifted, “There are levels of the fallen,” He said as his face darkened, “Legion is the first line.  They are easy to cast away.”

             
“How many levels?” I asked, swallowing over the lump in my throat. 

             
“Seven,” he said, biting his lip, “For each level of hell.”

             
“What level were Asmodis and Jezebel at?” I asked as a tremble shook me. 

             
“They were level four demons,” he said, pursing his lips, “But you should know there is only one of the fallen who is at level seven and that is Lucifer.”

             
“That doesn’t make me feel better,” I said, covering my face, “There are still other levels.  I’ll never sleep again, knowing that.”

             
His grin widened, “That’s why you have angels.”

             
Immediately, the room lit up and I saw within the light, angels everywhere. 

             
“They’re going to help us?” I asked in awe. 

             
“These angels and so many more,” he said, smiling triumphantly as my face lit up in awe, “Now for the change.  You and your father aren’t the only ones who can see them.  Every member of the Appointed can now too.”

             
I covered my mouth as the enormity hit me.  My heart swelled with so much peace and love that I couldn’t feel the worry that had been plaguing me before. 

             
“Do you think you can sleep now?” He asked, grinning. 

             
“As long as it‘s not this bright when I do,” I said, laughing.

             
“You’re asleep now,” he said with a raised eyebrow. 

             
“Yes, I am.  You interrupted my dreams.  I’m sure the others will begin soon.  Will you stay with me while I dream those dreams?” I asked as the walls around me began to shake and a new dream began to take over.

             
The light dimmed and darkness surrounded me, “I‘m always with you,” he whispered, “Now, dream and tell us what to do, Alex.  Always, remember that even when you can’t see me, you are never alone.”

**********

              The dream was strange and though I knew I wasn’t alone, the scenes were disturbing.  I saw red…everywhere.  There was blood on a wooden floor and blood on a wall.  Screams assaulted my ears and I closed my eyes. 

             
“Don’t close your eyes, Alex,” I heard Semerias say, “You have to face the vision.  Lucifer is trying to hide it behid this so you won‘t look.”

             
“I’m afraid,” I whispered as I shook, “There is something that is…too much in this vision.”

             
His voice was sympathetic and I felt his hand on my shoulder, “I’m here with you,” he said, “Open your eyes.  You won’t be alone.”

             
I nodded and then, slowly, slid my eyelids open, facing the scene before me.  Red coated everything and I gasped in terror.  Still I kept my eyes open as I saw as the scene fall apart.   Suddenly, I found myself standing in the middle of a parking lot looking on as a battle raged.  I shook my head as I saw who the enemies were.

             
“No,” I said as I trembled.  Tears fell down my cheeks, “That can’t happen.”

             
“If you see it,” Semarias said, frowning, “It can happen.”

             
I looked around the area in which I stood, finding Jace and then, Catherine.  Their eyes pulsed red.  I swallowed as I remembered how Drake had been possessed for years before we were able to save him.  I couldn’t let that happen again. 

             
Then, I glanced around again and my heart froze in my chest.  My father stood within the center of the fray.  When he looked up, his eyes were the same scarlet as Catherine and Jace‘s eyes had been.  I nearly fell to my knees in heartache but Semarias caught me. 

             
“Don’t give in, Alex,” he said, almost harshly, “Look around for the solution.” 

             
I swallowed as I glanced around terrified.  I wanted to block the scene out by closing my eyes. Instead, I forced myself to scan the crowd again.  Finally, my eyes landed on the group in the very center of the crowd.  Darkness drifted from it but in the middle was light.  Jenna, Kelly, Jeremy and Jonathon were standing amongst the demons.  My future self was coming toward them.  My heart froze as I saw my eyes.  Possession was in my future. 

             
Tears fell down Kelly’s face as she reached forward and pulled the demon from me with the power of her voice.  Her eyes widened as my body was thrown backwards and a fallen angel stood in my place.  My future self sat up with wide, terrified eyes. 

             
“Kelly, remember to continue!” My future self screamed, “Don’t stop just because you think we’re hurt!  You have to keep going!”

             
Kelly reached forward again and pulled another demon from the body of my father as my brothers sent the demons back to hell.  Still, there were more and more coming.  My mother ran past me, demon possessed also. 

             
Semarias frowned as we were suddenly thrown backwards and I saw the earth split.  I heard Semarias inhale sharply. 

             
“What’s wrong?” I asked as the dream began to fade. 

             
“They are going to try to open a pit,” he said, terrified, “All demons will be able to enter Earth….even Lucifer.”

             
Understanding came as darkness surrounded me.  Lucifer was going to try to bring the Apocolypse early if we didn‘t stop him.