“Yeah, well... What? Wait, you have seen Malach? He’s alive?!” Excited Elina, jumps up. “Where is he? Can you take me to him?”
Alex is shaking his head before she finishes her sentence. “Elina that’s impossible!”
“Why Alex? Where is he?” Elina demands turning to face her brother.
“My Daddy has him.” Lexy replies. “He desperately wants that pen, too. It’s special. It is called Cencura, that’s Latin for Judgment. Malach wouldn’t tell him where to find it,” she says, shrugging her shoulders, “so Daddy does what he does best.”
“No,” Elina whispers and stumbles to her knees. Alex rushes to her side.
“Elina, he made his choice. Your safety was the most important thing to him,” he assures her.
Lexy watches unmoved by Elina’s tears.
“He protected you, and the location of the Cencura. The pen is powerful. It can add to or take away from the list in the book.” Lexy says picking up a pack of crackers.
Stunned into silence, they stare at Lexy. “Why didn’t you tell me this sooner, Alexandria?” Alex asks her.
Lexy shrugs her shoulders, “I didn’t know you had it. Malach told me about it before you saved me, Alex.”
“What do you mean, before he saved you?” Elina asks.
“Alex saved me from my Dad. He risked his life, for mine. I will never forget it.” She says moving closer to him, she takes his hand. He kisses the top of her head.
“I am sorry that it took me so long, Lexy,” he responds.
“How long did he have her?” Elina asks.
“Seven years.” Alex replies.
“Daddy let me have some freedom. He didn’t like for me to visit the Angels, but I like to talk to them. Some of them are nice. Malach is the best, though he doesn’t look like you remember anymore.”
Malach! Elina thinks. She pictures him in her mind and she knows she will not stop until she frees him. The image of him blind and wingless torments her.
“Without the final two pieces to the book, the pen is useless. Raphaim has one part of it.” Elina turns to Lexy, “Do you know where your father keeps the scroll, Lexy?”
Alex waits for her answer, dreading it. He knows she is powerful, but he will not risk her safety.
Lexy smiles looking up at him. “You can’t protect me forever, Alex. I know where he keeps it, but I will have to show you. It is protected by a blood covenant and only Daddy’s blood will free it.”
“What do you mean?” Alex asks.
“Daddy wanted to make sure that no one touched the scroll, so he created a lock box that will only open to his blood.” Lexy smiles wickedly, “He didn’t think about my blood. It’s the same,” she replies as she munches on a cracker. “I can get the scroll and you can free, Malach.”
Elina smiles as Alex shakes his head, “No! It’s too risky. Have either of you thought about what will happen if he gets his hands on this pen? We are living in hell on Earth, but there will be none who could stand against him if he has that kind of power. No! We must protect it and the Keeper!”
Alex turns to look at Elina, “Malach knew the risks involved and he was willing to pay the price to guarantee your safety, Elina. Think! Don’t react!”
“I am thinking, Alex. I was sent here for a reason. I can get the scroll and free him. Together, we will find the last part of the book. We can end this for once and all, Alex. Besides, we are more powerful when we are together.” Elina walks closer and takes his hand, “I know all you have lost, Alex and you have done enough. You and Lexy do not have to go with me. Keep her safe and I will...”
“No.” Alex interrupts her, shaking his head. “If there is even a chance that we can end this and free humanity, then I want to help. Lexy do you think you can show us the way?” Alex asks her with a heavy heart.
“Sure. We will need a distraction to draw Daddy away, then I can get you to the box. Elina will have to free Malach, and there are some pretty strong guards protecting him.” She says looking at Elina doubtfully.
Elina’s eyes flash with fire at the thought of any who dare to get in her way. “Don’t worry about me squirt, I can take care of myself.”
Lexy smiles at the fight in Elina.
“I can offer an epic size distraction,” Alex smiles at the girls and claps his hands together. “Let’s get started.”
Chapter 8
It is never easy sneaking into hell, unless you are the daughter of the ruler! Lexy knows the way home. She knows all the nooks and crannies because hell was her playground, until Alex freed her. Sometimes when she feels nostalgic she returns to mess with her daddy, or visit the prisoners. They fill a thirst that is unquenchable. As the daughter of a fallen, her gifts are numerous.
Elina took from her mind the images of the tunnels that lead to Malach’s prison. It is guarded by the Fallen who captured him.
“At the first sign of trouble they will leave their posts to fight at Raphaim’s side. Why bother with a blind, wingless angel. He couldn’t escape even if he wanted too.” Lexy whispers, oblivious to the pain that her careless words cause. “You free Malach, and port to the water fountain. It is in the very center of the mountain.” Lexy projects the path of the fountain to Elina’s mind.
“What if you aren’t there? Where will we meet?” Elina asks.
“If we are not there, you get out. Your safety is the priority. Take Malach and get to my camp,” Alex demands. Elina remembers the directions he gave her and she nods her head.
“Thank you, both,” she whispers. Alex kisses her forehead and smiles.
“Let’s go make some noise!” he responds.
Lexy grins and her fangs glint in the dim depths of the torch
