“Alex, you will never be alone, you know that. Look at me, brother!” Alex turns slowly and wipes the tears from his face with the back of his hand.
“It was never about the pen, Alex. The book in its remade form is powerful, but it is nothing compared to the power that lives inside of you. The power to add or take away from the book. The pen was a vessel, just as our bodies are.”
“Malach help me, please,” she calls to him.
“Alex, Elina’s role in this is complete. She was a distraction from the true Keeper, you.” Malach explains quietly. Stepping close to her, Malach flares his wings over Elina and it’s stunning to see the blue against the shimmery white of her wings.
Elina leans back into him, drawing on his strength, and looks at Alex. “I know what we are telling you is confusing, but understand this, there will always be light to illuminate the darkness. You are the light for those on this planet. The book will need to be protected and the light will as well. There are keepers who need to be trained and taught the lessons of the past. You will not be alone in this. Jake and Elsbeth will help you. You have Hunter and Varena too.”
“For now,” Malach says, “Rest and heal, Alex. Be with your family. When you need us, we will come.”
Alex looks away again and knows they are right.
“I’m sorry, Elina. I wish I could have done more.”
Elina steps away from the shelter of Malach’s wings and wraps her brother in her arms.
“I love you, Alex. That will never change. I am happy and at peace, and if at any time you need me you only have to call. It will take all the angels in heaven to keep me from coming to you!” she snaps protectively.
Alex looks up at her and laughs, “I guess this could have its perks. An angel for a sister, I could get used to it.”
“Not just an angel, Alex. An Archangel.” Malach says with pride.
Elina smiles at them both and laughs, “Let’s get you home, Alex. We still have a lot of explaining to do.”
Alex walks over to the ground and picks up the book and fear runs through him. It feels heavy as though the weight of the world has just been placed in his hands. Elina places a hand on top of his and the burden lightens.
“Never alone, brother. You will never be alone,” she promises.
Chapter 36
Simeon carries Loe’s body, and returns, Jake, with Makaio to the Lua. They are waiting on the beach with Makaio’s family. The angel can taste the sorrow on the air and he can feel it in the earth. Today lives were lost as they are in every war, but he will have a hero’s journey home.
Leilani weeps sorrow filled tears held in the arms of her husband. The drums of sorrow for the loss of their brother fill the night. Seth, Keahi, and Kale follow their Father as he takes the body of his son in his arms and carries him to the beach followed by the rest of the family. Jake follows along and feels their pain in his soul.
His body is wrapped in a red cloth and placed inside an outrigger boat. They are preparing to say their final goodbyes when Elina and Malach arrive. The sight of the two archangels arriving causes all to gasp. Elina walks silently across the beach in a white dress. Her beautiful wings reflect the moon, causing light to dance across the beach.
“I’m truly sorry for your loss, Lua. If you would allow it, I will give him a burial worthy of the hero he is?” Elina asks.
Makaio looks at Leilani and they nod yes. Malach shares with Elina the image in his mind, showing her the steps to take.
Elina nods and Simeon steps forward. They fan out in a circle around Loe’s body with their wing tips touching. They lift their faces to the moon and begin to pray.
A brilliant beam of light shoots from the angels causing all to avert their faces at the sudden heat. The body erupts in flames, red first before turning to a beautiful blue.
When the family turns back to watch, they see his spirit inside the blue flame. The angels step back, allowing the family to see Loe. He blows his mother a kiss before turning away and disappearing into the celestial sky. A soft breeze blows and Loe’s ashes lift up and blow out to sea.
“Thank you,” Makaio says in a hoarse voice. Leilani turns a tear stained face to Elina and smiles at her. No words are needed, they understand that death is just a journey to a new path. The pain will still be with them until it fades into memory, replaced by hope. The hope of seeing each other again. The boys lead her away, leaving Jake to face Elina and the Angels.
Elina wipes a tear and faces Jake. Malach steps forward offering Elina the support she may need.
“Jake?”
“Elina, I don’t know what to say. Do I ask for forgiveness, or do I ask is this what you had planned all along?” he asks glaring at Malach.
“Jake, you did exactly what I asked you to do. You kept the Covenant and in doing so you saved us all.” Elina replies softly. “I am sorry if that hurts you.”
“If it hurts me? You are dead, Elina. Of course it hurts me.” He runs his hands through his hair and turns away from them, unable to stand the sight of her exquisite beauty. As a human she was beautiful, but it can’t compare to the joy radiating from her now.
Jealousy, rage, and envy all rear their ugly heads and he struggles to fight them down.
Malach watches and he sees the battle raging inside Jake, he feels it because he fought that same battle for years watching Elina
