“You are human,” Ruby tells her grasping her hands. “We are made in the image of our Father, God. To Love is the gift we are given and the gift we give to others. Angels were created to serve our God. They do not understand human emotions: jealousy, rage, hatred, envy, lust, love, or greed.”
“I thought that too, I did,” she says jumping up pacing back and forth in the small room. “I have told myself that he cannot return my feelings, but he does! The more I am with him, the more tainted he becomes. Mom he feels everything; jealousy, rage, and lust and it is because of me. I am like a sickness.” Lowering to her knees on the rug in front of her mother, she says desperately, “Can you remove it, Mom? Please?” she begs her. “Take it away,” she says holding up her hands toward heaven, “This sick desire for him.” With a fist to her heart she cries desperately, “Help me save him!”
“I’m sorry I don’t have that power, Elina,” she says gently touching her daughter’s face.
Elina drops her head to her mother’s knees and weeps, “Then I have to leave.” She stands and grabs a tissue to clean her face. After everything that has happened Elina knows she has to go.
“That is a little drastic, Elina. We can figure this out together,” she says getting frustrated now. “You are upset, why don’t you sleep on it and we will talk about this in the morning. You have been through so much today. I am sure the others will be able to help you.”
Looking at her mother, she knows they will all try to stop her. “You are right, I should rest. It has been a crazy day!” she says with a clear path in her mind. “Thank you for listening, Mom.”
“Always, Elina I love you,” as she kisses her on her forehead. “You are sure you’re okay?
“I am okay now, truly. Things will be clearer in the morning.”
After her mother leaves, Elina feels bad about lying to her. “I have to follow the thread and time is up.” Carefully she sits on the bed holding her bible in her lap, and lays a hand on it. Prayerfully, she looks up and talks to her Maker.
“Father, help me! You said to call upon the name of the Lord, and I shall be delivered. I call upon, you. Deliver me! I am desperate,” she cries out through tears. “Have mercy on me, Oh God. Wash these impure thoughts from my soul. Make me whole again. My sin is ever before me, but I want to be what you desire me to be. Guide my thoughts and path so I can be your instrument in these dark times. Amen.”
Outside her window, an owl hoots, breaking her from her prayer. Drawn to the window, Elina looks out and watches as a large owl flies from a tree towards the yard. Shifting form in midflight, the angel lands softly and waits for her. Elina hurries to grab her coat. She goes outside and is surprised to see that he is Indian. He is large as all angels are, with tan skin and silky black hair. His yellow eyes seem to read her soul as he spreads his beautiful striped lush wings.
“I am Nameed,” he says bowing to her. “You called and I have been sent to help guide you.”
“How are you going to help me?” Elina asks.
“The answers you seek are not here in this time but in another. When we get close, you will be able to follow the thread and find a Keeper who can help you complete your task. If you are ready, we will leave now.” The angel holds out his hand and smiles slightly as she hesitates.
Loyal to Malach, she is not sure how she feels about flying with another angel. “How will my Aunt Polly feel if she knows you are here?” His smile fades as she grabs his hand, for a second she feels the pain and longing he carries. Her heart breaks for him and she sighs, “Are none of us free then?” As she looks up into his dark eyes, she says, “The sooner I complete my task the sooner we will all be free.”
With no warning, he snaps his arms around her waist and shoots straight up into the night sky. Elina clutches her arms tightly around his neck and tries to keep her eyes open as a bright light surrounds them. The higher they rise the brighter the light becomes, until soon she is forced to close her eyes against it. As they fly through time and space, she closes her eyes and sleeps knowing she will need the rest for whatever the future holds.
After they all realize that Elina has left them, Jake feels useless and angry. Why was he given this gift if not to help Elina? Jake has felt adrift and lost since leaving the military. He knows his duty is to the country he loves and to his brothers in arms. Now he feels his duty is as a Keeper of Humanity. He needs to train to become stronger and learn how to use his gift to help others. Sitting around at Polly’s while others do the work is driving him crazy. With Elsbeth locked in her room for days now working on the pieces that Elina asked her to make, Hunter busy with his son Alex, and Elina off doing whatever it is she does, Jake realizes he needs to find his place.
His cell phone rings shaking him out of
