Should this mortal die, I would destroy the world and surely fall from grace, failing the mortal world and the worlds beyond. The war over power in this realm was bigger than me and her and Lucifer. Nevertheless, I would win.
With a palm at the small of her back, I pinned her against me. She struggled and screamed for me to let her go, but I wouldn’t. Holding her thrashing body, I walked across the landing post and entered my private chambers, on the other side of the House just opposite her room. I took control of all the exit points. Doors and windows slammed shut.
Julia looked up at me as I released her. “Are you sure you’re good?”
“No. I am the executioner of good. Note the difference.”
“Duly noted.”
I willed the liquid away from my hands, effectively washing them while Julia walked to the window, her back to me.
“You’re supposed to heal and comfort and bring internal peace,” she said.
I sat on the lone chair I kept in the middle of the vast space and tucked my wings tightly so they’d lift while folded and not wipe the floor. “I heal, comfort, and I definitely intend to bring peace.”
“By slaughtering people?” Julia spun around and set her coffee cup down at the window. She crossed her arms over her chest.
“The mortal realm was collapsing. Negative energies attracted power-hungry angels, the fallen, the ones we war with in the Heavens,” I began.
“I didn’t even know there were wars in the Heavens.”
“Mortals aren’t privy to the information I’m imparting to you.” I anticipated a grateful mortal response. Maybe something like Thank you, Michael, my wonderful warrior, for slaying my enemies and imparting godly goodness onto me. When none came, I continued, “When an order for your annihilation got issued, nobody objected. Nobody dared come to your aid. I rounded up my fleet, and here we are.” I spread my arms.
“Why did you do it?”
“Because I felt it was something I was meant to do.”
“I don’t understand.”
“You don’t have to. I understand.”
“You wiped our memories. People go around thinking this is how they’ve always existed.”
“Be grateful. I assure you, the alternative for the mortal realm would’ve been much worse. Approach,” I said and extended a hand.
Julia snorted and made no move toward me.
I wiggled my fingers. “I am unaccustomed to repeating myself. You may approach.”
Julia kept ignoring my invitation. I showed her my teeth.
She fisted her hands. “So what if they remember the Before? You spared me.”
“Do you want to die?”
Julia’s mouth pinched shut. I saw the moment she folded on this argument. Her shoulders slumped, and she ran a hand through her hair. “I don’t know what I want anymore. I… This world is so brutal. You speak of peace, and I associate it with happiness. All I see in this world is doom.” Her gaze drifted up as if seeking help from the Heavens. Strange when I was right here.
“Come.” I extended a hand again.
Wearily, she took my hand, and I pulled her onto my lap, my hands firmly wrapped around her. If she hoped I would charm her, she had mistaken me for another. Charm wasn’t my forte. Truth and loyalty were.
When she tensed as if sitting on needles and not on my warm lap, I reached for the knife in her pocket and dropped it on the floor, then spread my wings around her and purred softly from my chest, sometimes brushing her face with a few of the soft baby feathers growing on the inside of the wing’s bend. Julia’s body slumped, and she leaned her cheek on my shoulder, eyes downcast.
“I possess many powers. Bringing you serenity is one of them. I am fonder of my other gifts, the ones I use often, such as moving objects. It is my primary gift.” The laces of her boots started unlacing. “Lucifer possesses many powers, mind bending being his gift. With great power came great ambition. One could fall from grace when one believed himself all-powerful. I know grace. Lucifer knows pride.”
Julia lifted her face. “And he’s around too?” she asked.
“Mm-hm.”
“Go on,” she encouraged.
“Mortals are Lucifer’s favorite toys. Those who remember practically invite him inside their heads. He calls them pets.” She looked away, and I narrowed my eyes. “Ever met him?”
“No.” She swallowed.
Not a lie, but not quite the truth either. Unease gripped me, but I pushed on. “Are you sure?”
“I think I’d know if I met Lucifer.”
“Why do you think that?”
“I have a feeling he’d make an impression.”
“Certainly. But you are wrong. Lucifer comes in many shapes and forms, but rarely his own angelic form. That is what makes him a trickster.”
“If I met him, I wouldn’t know?”
“Not unless he wanted you to know. Although, even when he’s trying to hide or be tricky about approaching people or invading one’s mind, he leaves an impression. He can’t help it. He’s vain and prideful of his conquests, so he’s bound to make his presence known, perhaps as discomfort or a wayward thought, a movement of your body as if it’s not your own. Have you had any similar experiences?”
“What does he have to do with the people?”
“Those who remember side with him. He sweeps their minds in seconds.”
“Kind of like the way you swept most of the world.”
“Yes, kind of like that.”
“Do you not see the parallel between yourself and him?”
“I do. That’s what temptation looks like, and I struggle with it each day. Which is why I’ve honed a sharp mind and sharper skills. You will do the same.”
Her
