At The Gates

Chapter Twenty-Three

It had been almost three days since we’d averted the end of life, but for me, things really hadn’t gotten any better.

Pissed and hurt and feeling betrayed, Rachelle had exploded with grief when I told her about Abraham; and for good reason. It was wrong to mislead her, but we’d needed her to be there in spirit, mind, and body. Often in her own little world under the best of circumstances, we couldn’t risk her retreating to it when we needed her the most. We couldn’t have succeeded without her.

Deep down I think she understood that, but that didn’t make her feelings any less valid. She was mad that I had no faith in her, and she had every right to be. It hadn’t been my intention, but not telling her only made things worse between us.

Rahim tried to tell her it was his idea, but I warned him off. Rachelle needed a pillar of strength she trusted, one who wouldn’t let her down. I’d burned that bridge and there was no point in making them suffer more than they already were. He fought me on it, but in the end he gave in. This wasn’t about the truth. Maybe it would be one day and we’d clear the air, but until then, Rachelle needed Rahim more than she needed to know the truth; certainly more than she needed me.

Katon was mad too, but more than anyone, he understood. A warrior to his marrow, he knew why we hadn’t said anything. He’d get over it faster than Rachelle would, but he’d been quiet since we’d let the truth out, a little cold.

Though hurt, Michael could rationalize our choice and agree with it. He knew how delicate Rachelle was, and though it pained him to see her suffering, he was just glad she was alive to feel anything at all.

On a more global scale, Metatron had been right. Shortly after he sealed the gate to Eden, storms sprang to life across the world. Gratefully, these weren’t the same kind of storms that devastated the planet. These brought wind and rain, to spread the seeds and nurture them.

Humanity on edge, they panicked and scrambled to escape the weather, but it was all in vain. Rain fell over the barren patches of earth that had been scoured away. In defiance of all the laws of nature man has come to know, the planet began to repair itself. Blades of grass sprung up in the wake of the storms, tiny trees and shrubs sprouting to life within hours to start the process.

No less miraculous than the storms that had wiped it all away, humanity found a reason that reinforced their belief in something beyond their senses, their faith renewed. Most simply attributed it to God, whatever their flavor might be; in anger he’d cleansed the earth, in forgiveness he’d begun to heal it. It was easier to let them believe that than call attention to the supernatural beings who lived amongst them here on Earth. However, the door had been cracked open for some and could never be closed again.

The world governments leapt to action in the aftermath, promising to seek out the truth in the wake of their failure to protect their lands and people. The war in Heaven brought consequences to our plane of existence. The world was different now, and people were starting to realize it. As always, there would be repercussions that followed knowledge. The blinders still in place, though slipping, humanity was still largely oblivious. They likely wouldn’t be for long.

For us who knew different, today was a bitter reminder that God was gone. His departure left ripples that washed over us daily, stirring up the supernatural. Its consequences were laid out before us in the silver coffin that held the earthly remains of Abraham Solano.

The service held at the slowly rebuilding, Rest Land cemetery, it was a somber, private affair. Not famous or in the public eye, his funeral flew under the radar amidst the masses of burials taking place in the wake of the destruction. Humanity buried their dead with a collective sigh of bitter relief that they were still alive to do so.

To those who knew who Abraham truly was, it was as if the world had ended. The skies bowed their head at his passing, thick clouds turning out to witness his burial. Gentle thunder rumbled overhead, a mournful dirge for a man who had done so much to defend humanity, though they would never know his sacrifice. Soft cold tears tumbled from Heaven at his loss, mirroring those in attendance.

I stood away from the gathering, conscious of Rachelle’s feelings. As much as I wanted to go to her and beg her forgiveness, I couldn’t bring myself to intrude upon her sorrow. Katon sat with her, as did Scarlett who held her hand cradled in her lap.

Even as beaten up as my cousin was, her bruised and battered face barely hidden behind her large black sunglasses, she came for Rachelle. It hurt to know I couldn’t be a part of it, that I couldn’t offer my own sympathy to her for a man who was more than my father, but that’s life. Cruel and painful, you roll the dice with every choice and hope in the end you’ve done what’s best.

Karra stood beside me, her hand entangled in mine. Pressed warm against me, there was no solace to be found in her embrace. That hurt too. No matter what there was between us, what we could become, it was fleeting, the clock pitting time against us.

Rahim came up behind me to show solidarity, his human hand on my shoulder. He’d learned to shift back in time for the funeral so that he could attend. He gave a tight squeeze and slipped me a smile as he passed, on his way to Rachelle.

Michael nodded as I glanced his way, the preacher just finishing up the last rites. Though we all knew them to be hollow, tradition carried its own comforts. In the bushes, my cemetery buddies sat quietly waiting to lower Abraham to his final resting place. Obligated to be elsewhere, I wouldn’t get to watch them lower him into the ground.

The thought triggered my tears and I turned and headed for my car, Karra attached to me the whole way. Like a condemned man taking his final walk, I drove away slow finding no reason to hurry.

At home at last, Karra and I trundled into the house. Chatterbox at her place, the house was eerily silent, only the quiet hum of the refrigerator there to greet us. Like zombies ourselves, we trudged over to the couch and dropped down limp.

“You sure about this?” she asked me, turning my face to look at her.

“No, but I don’t have a choice. I signed a contract. Besides, I don’t have the energy to fight.”

Karra’s face drooped and she kissed me quick to try and hide it. “I could ask my father to intervene.”

“No.” I shook my head, then looked away. “I don’t know what these guys want, but I don’t think they intend to hurt me. They’ve already had the chance and let me go. I’m sure everything will be all right.”

While I didn’t really feel that way, I didn’t want Karra to worry more than she already was. I didn’t have the slightest clue what Xyx and his master needed from me, and I was worried. More than I wanted to let on. There’s no rationalizing the supernatural world, so assuming just because they hadn’t killed me meant they wouldn’t was a fool’s bet.

“You know, for a demon, you really don’t lie very well.”

Her words brought a smile to my lips. “Yeah, I know. That’s why I pretend to be the strong, silent type. It’s easier to get away with shit when you keep your mouth shut.”

With a quiet chuckle, she leaned into me and rested her head on my shoulder. Her breath was warm on my neck, tickling me. She felt great wedged in against me and I could resist leaning in to kiss her.

Just as I did, I felt the nauseating ripples of Xyx’s presence. Karra had as well as she pulled away and jumped to her feet, anger and frustration seared in deep lines across her face. I didn’t bother to get up, knowing full well the demon stood in my house, just a few feet away.

“You’re the only demon I know who understands the concept of punctuality, Xyx. That’s unfortunate.” I turned my head to stare at his silver eyes. Jonas and Ethan were at his sides, both standing there quietly watching Karra.

“It’s time to go, Triggaltheron.”

Nodding, I sighed deep and pulled Karra to me. She resisted a little, ready to throw down, but she gave in reluctantly. I turned her face to mine and adjusted so she couldn’t see the idiots behind me. My stomach in knots, I kissed her deep and hard.

If it was gonna be my last kiss, I wanted it to convey just how much I cared. After a moment, I broke away to take a breath. Her hazel eyes moist, I wiped away a tear and said my goodbyes.

Leaving behind everything I cared for, everything I loved, I walked over to Xyx.

“Let’s get this over with.”

He nodded and I felt his magic amping up. I turned and took one last look at Karra, blowing her a kiss.

“I’ll be back.”

She did her best to smile, and then I was gone.