Uriel dropped a quick kiss on Katia’s forehead and replied. “She is able to heal very quickly. As she was raised amongst humans her healing abilities have mimicked theirs, now that she’s in the company of other immortals, they will return to their normal state.”
“We’ve already seen that,” Luc murmured.
Nodding, Uriel continued. “As a Chimera, her other abilities will depend upon a couple of factors. The Chimera are not bound to Sheol or Heofon. They are able to absorb the abilities of any creature they come in contact with. Those abilities and the light or dark essence associated with them will become a part of her.”
“Is it something Katia can do instinctively, or does she need to learn how?”
“It’s a skill that will come naturally to her. That being said, her abilities will likely be limited. Without her twin she is only half of the puzzle.”
At the mention of her brother, Katia stirred in her father’s arms. Wiping the stray tears off her face she turned toward Luc, straightening up, and raising her head. Her gaze was steady and confident again. Luc could only marvel at her strength as she sat across from him looking as regal and confident as a queen despite everything she had just been through. Clearing her throat, Katia looked back at her father. “If my brother’s alive I need to find him.”
“That may prove a challenge,” Uriel replied as he reached up to stroke her cheek. “As I said, I lost track of his essence the day your mother was killed. If he’s alive, the only place he could be is within the walls of Halja. I doubt Satan would have kept him alive once he discovered the binding couldn’t be accomplished.”
“If there’s even a tiny chance he’s alive, I have to find him. I can’t just forget about him as though he didn’t exist.” Despair laced her voice, her eyes flicking back and forth between Uriel and Luc.
Uriel shook his head sadly. “You can’t do that.”
Confusion and anger coloured her expression as she turned back toward her father. “Why not? If he’s still alive, that means he’s been held captive for over thirty years! I can’t just let him rot away forever as someone’s prisoner!”
Sighing sadly, Uriel looked back down at their linked hands. “If I’d been able to reach him myself, I would have gone to Halja in search of him years ago, but angels cannot enter. If Satan does have your brother and were to gain possession of you as well, he would be able to complete the binding and leave the confines of Halja. We cannot allow this to happen.”
Luc reached out and placed his hand gently on Katia’s knee. “Our first priority right now is finding a way to keep you safe and hidden. Amir agreed to take us somewhere in the human realm for the next day or so, but we need to come up with a long-term plan. I’m sorry, but we’re going to have to deal with your brother later; there’s just no other option.”
A mixture of resignation and gratitude were written across her face as Katia replied. “Why are you helping me? Why didn’t you just take me in? You don’t know me. You don’t owe me anything. I…I…thank you just seems so lame right now.”
She was looking at him as though he were a good man. All Luc felt was dirty and deceptive. If she knew who he really was, she’d be running in the other direction so fast his head would spin. Luc pulled his hand back from where it rested, and swallowed past the lump of guilt and shame that had taken up shop in his throat.
“If Satan gets to you, the world won’t be the same. I can’t allow that to happen.” Luc wished he could be the kind of man she thought he was — the kind of man who had the right to tell her the truth. I just can’t let him get his hands on you. I'm in awe of you Katia, and I will keep you safe.
Katia seemed unable to meet Luc’s eyes as she replied, “Right, of course…the fate of the world.” She gave a dry laugh. “I still feel like I should be waiting for someone to jump out with a camera telling me I’ve been punked. The fate of the world rests in my hands; it’s like something out of a movie.”
Sergei took Katia’s hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. “Look, I know all of this is coming at you at warp speed. I can't imagine how hard all of this is for you.”
Turning her head to face him, Katia gave Sergei a wry smile. “It’s amazing how quickly you can get used to the supremely weird. As much as I’m still pissed at you for keeping all this shit a secret, I’m glad you’re here for me. At least there’s still one thing in my life that makes sense. You’re a good friend, Sergei; I’m lucky to have you.”
“I’ll always be your friend,” Sergei said softly, looking down at their linked hands. “So, where will you be taking her?” he asked, looking back up at Luc.
“I don’t know,” Luc said, shaking his head. “Amir will take us somewhere off the grid. He’ll be the only one who knows. The fewer people who know where we are, the better.”
“Sounds reasonable,” Sergei replied, giving Katia’s hand another squeeze before letting go.
“How long before we leave?” Katia asked.
“As soon as Amir gets back. We're putting Sergei at risk the longer we stay here. As soon as Satan realizes I’m not playing ball, this building will be one of the first places he looks,” Luc said. Turning and giving Sergei a pointed look, he added, “You should probably clear out of here, too. He’s got your name and knows you’re close to Katia.
