Divinity: Immolation: Book Three (The Divinity Saga) (14 page)

“It’s pretty self-explanatory.”

He licked his lips and cleared his throat, “So, you’re saying that if a demon saves a human from certain death, it changes what he is, making him no longer a demon? Of it a serial killer suddenly donates money to charity, it no longer makes him a serial killer or worthy of being punished for his crimes?” he then asked.

I felt myself flush. Funny that he would make that particular analogy.

I paused and thought about his comparisons for a moment. I think he thought he had me on that reasoning, and—why do I feel like I’ve lived this moment before?

“No. What I’m saying is that simply calling one a demon or a serial killer, doesn’t make them a demon or a serial killer. It’s what they do that makes them what they are. If we’re all doomed to forever be labeled by stupid decisions, mistakes, or things that may not be in our own direct control or doing, then there’s no point in ever rising to be anything more than what we are labeled as. That’s it.”

Spencer raised a single brow. I was expecting him to come back with something snarky or even more challenging but he didn’t.

“Wow, that’s deep. I like that.” Some girl from the back commented.

“Alright. Yes, that was very interesting. Thank you, Starling. Anyone else want to add or challenge what she’s saying?” Spencer then directed to the rest of the class?

Erika looked over at me in awe. “Yeah, I understand. She’s saying that just because people may label you as stupid, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you are unless all you do is stupid things. Free will means that you can either choose to remain stupid by doing stupid things or change it and choose to do something else that you want to define you. Right?” She directed at me for confirmation.

I nodded and smiled and she smiled back at me.

“How come she’s already branded? When will we get ours?” A different guy from earlier pointed at my arms and asked all of a sudden.

“Good question. Very soon, actually. Starling has an interesting story to tell though. One that would behoove all of you to hear. It’s a reminder of just how important it is to be cautious, because it can happen to anyone at any time if you’re not thoroughly trained. Starling managed to save a fellow warrior and both survived and escaped being taken by a fallen. Care to share your amazing story of bravery with everyone else, Starling?” Spencer encouraged me.

I narrowed my eyes and shifted in my chair again.

The bells began to toll, signaling the end of class instruction for the day. Another save for me.

“I guess we’ll pick up on your story tomorrow then,” he smiled at me and then turned to the rest of the class, “Remember, go over your codes of conduct and the map. There will be a quiz first thing tomorrow over it, and do not forget to start your journals. Those are important. See you guys tomorrow.” Spencer managed to get in as everyone stood and began to file out of the room.

“Starling, hang on a second, I wanted to talk to you.” He halted me just as I walked past him.

I groaned internally turning to face him, and then I stiffened.

Shit. Jamie did tell him something.

He waited until everyone was gone and then he moved to close the door.

I tried to maintain a half bored, half innocent expression on purpose.

“If you attempt to molest or kiss me again, I’m screaming.” I warned him.

He laughed. “Not the reaction I normally would get but cute. Human world politics don’t apply here anyway.”

“Fine, I’ll just resort to
kicking your ass myself then.”

He smirked, looking as gorgeous as ever.

“Now that’s the Starling that seems more fitting for some reason. I knew you had fire in you. No pun intended.” He grinned as he sat on the edge of his desk.

I gave a sarcastic smile. “Why did you want me to stay?”

“I’ve been wanting to ask you something ever since the inquisition board but you left so fast after being examined, I never got the chance.”

Though I felt slightly warm, I had to maintain my pulse and heartbeat. I knew that it was exactly what he was trying to gauge and read in his momentary pause.

“So ask.”

“I saw you looking at either end of the table, twice. Who…or what were you looking at specifically?” he then asked.

Huh? Part of me felt instant relief, unless this was the start of another round of invasive questions. Why did he care or want to know?

“Nothing.” I said quite simply.

I know he didn’t believe that but I didn’t care.

He inhaled deeply and then slowly exhaled. He was studying me, looking at my aura and I felt a knot of tension clinch in the pit of my stomach. Or was it the twins?

“Your aura is back to normal, that’s good.” He then commented.

“Were there any do
ubts?” I meant to be sarcastic.

He laughed and shrugged. “No, of course not. But in all honesty, I think you’re still holding something back.”

I looked directly into his eyes then. “Something like what?”

He narrowed his gaze, “I don’t know but even more so, I don’t understand why you would try to hide it. You should be able to trus
t everyone here, including me.”

“Trust is earned, not automatic.” I corrected him.

He bit his lip, “I agree.”

I sighed. “Is that all?” I then said.

He finally stood up again.

“Yeah, I’ll see you tomorrow and be ready to train. I’m still in charge of helping to acclimate you to using your weapon and your fire.” He then said.

I could tell he was both disappointed and annoyed with my curt attitude but I didn’t care.

“Are Sean and Diana back yet?” I asked.

He shook his head. “Not yet. There’s a really important conference going on at the Eastern hall. It may be a few more days. Why?”

Damn.

“No reason. I can learn to control my own fire on my own though.”

He sighed, “You know Starling, I’m actually a little disappointed in you. I mean, I thought you were of a certain mind-set but you’re proving to be just the opposite. Your essence and the weapon that chose you is no mistake. You, in particular, stand apart from the majority of the others for a reason. That’s a lot of raw power for a new riser both to have and to wield responsibly and I respect that. The question is, do you?”

He looked at me pointedly.

I pursed my lips in annoyance. I couldn’t allow myself to be around Spencer that much. I wasn’t supposed to be according to Aon and Aliks.

“Maybe you need to have a little faith and let go some of your ego.” I replied, turning to make a brisk exit.

I didn’t want to allow him the last word. Guilt began to fill the back of my mind soon thereafter.

Spencer was right. He was only doing exactly what he took oaths for as a warrior, even sacrificing his Angelic status to become an Earthbound Seraphim and fight along beside us humans.

It was me who
was playing on both sides. It’s me who’s in love with a fallen…and it’s me who’s pregnant with the children of a fallen. I didn’t know how much longer I could pull this off without giving myself away, even before I started to show. I had hoped that Sean and Diana would be back by now. I felt more comfortable confessing to them and having them pass them message along for me.

I headed straight back to my room, fully aware, and with a heavy heart— prepared to do what I could no longer put off.

XIX: Cam`ael

I
t took a bit of persuasion and a whole lot of reminders of what standing idly by and letting Morning Star have both Earth and the humans would ultimately mean. In the end, logic and a sense of independence, pride, and overall repentance; the whole reason we banded together to form this rebel legion against Morning Star in the first place, won out.

My main purpose in calling us all together was to see just how many were left and to warn them all about Xyn. According to Ry, some had recently met him and only one had been able to escape to tell the tale. If I had waited any longer, the next meeting would have simply consisted
of myself and my friends alone.

“When are you going to tell the others about Starling and your child?”
Edanai’s words entered my head, just as the others ghosted away.

“Soon. I won’t have a choice.”

“Nice. Another bomb.” She replied out loud.

I sighed. Yes, another bomb. Edanai didn’t know that
we were actually having twins.

“Rahab, please stick with Edanai. I’ve got another request.” I made sure to verbalize in front of her.

She sighed and shook her head.

“You don’t need me to help?” Rahab asked.

“Not this time. I’d rather you and Edanai remain safe and together.”

“As you wish, my Lord.” Rahab bowed his head and then he turned to Edanai. I don’t know what was said between them telepathically but a slow smile began
to spread across Edanai’s face.

I pointed at him, about to caution him for starting that again but Edanai pushed my finger aside.

“Accept it. If you could have seen yourself from the point of view of everyone else…you’d realize just how fitting it is right now, so get over it.” She then said.

I sighed. I still didn’t like it.

When Edanai and Rahab were gone, I turned to Aliks, who still remained focused on the giant pool of water down below.

“You’re awfully quiet.” I spoke.

He cut his eyes to me. “I’ve merely been listening and observing. I have nothing to say.”

“That doesn’t surprise me.” I shook my head.

“You said it all quite well, Cam. I’m intrigued. You and the rest of your brethren have impressed me.”

I raised a brow. That was an almost compliment I think, especially coming from an Angel.

“No one gives a flying fuck about impressing you.” Ry interjected with irritation.

Aliks shook his head derisively as Ry’s choice of expletives and a
ttitude.

“Alright, Cam. Where to now?” Mac asked as he sidled up closer to join me but still maintaining a wide berth from Aliks too.

“Care to visit some Psyrens?” I grinned.

Mac’s brows shot up and a slow grin pulled each corner of his mouth practically to each of his ears, “Psyrens? Fuck yeah!” His enthusiasm kicking up.

“Aw hell, you didn’t say anything about them. Any other being but them. I can’t stand them.” Ry groaned.

~~~~****~~~~

To say that I didn’t look forward to engaging with the Psyrens myself, would be a flat out lie. Admittedly, they were as gorgeous as the Succubus’ and the female fallen who actually took care of their flesh forms, if not more buxom and well-stacked. I personally, have never engaged in sexual contact with any of them though. They were far too treacherous company and quite frankly, their screams and shrieks annoyed the hell out of me.

That brought me back to the whole mind-tripping reason of why Elohim would pick them over all the other beings that existed here to partner up with against Morning Star. They owed me nothing; him…well, I don’t know.

“It may be a good idea for you stay out of sight for now.” I turned to Aliks, just as we all touched down a few yards from their fiery, dank domain and began to materialize.

We had already been spotted and were being watched.

Something big scuttled off to the left, thrashing through bushes in a grotesque symphony of grunts and squeals. Probably a few of their riding beasts I’m sure.

We readied ourselves for a possible initial attack. The Psyrens and Aural Bandits were deathly afraid of the Fallen. We were powerful and strong, so they were always on the defensive and ready to fight…and die, whenever we got too close.

Shrill screams ripped through the air, making me cringe at not only the sound, but the thought of what lie behind the massive gate made entirely of petrified hell beast bones and their leatherized, armor-plates and scaly skins. The sound of wild laughter, cursing, and tormented cries from all sorts of humans and other-worldly beings that they managed to capture and play with until they became bored, floated up and over the thorny points of the despicable gates.

Aliks pursed his lips with a wry expression, “You don’t have to suggest that twice.”

“Don’t stray too far though.” I grinned. He scowled at me as he began to ghost away.

I sighed, repulsed. What could they possibly help us do or accomplish, let alone the humans and divine warriors? On the other hand, Ry and Mac were both stoked and horny.

“What do you want with them anyway?” Mac asked as he moved in to stand next to me. Ry stood on the other side of me.

“I know it’s last minute. I’ll fill you both in later. As much as I can’t even bear the thought of touching or having anything in there touch me, it has to be done.”

“Another request?” Ry asked.

“Yes.”

“I figured as much.”

“Hey, I’m not complaining at all. Psyrens are always up for anything and they don’t mind if all you want to do is watch.” Mac commented.

“Ready?” I said, turning looking at each of them.

“As ready as I’m gonna get.” Ry said, copping his crotch enthusiastically.

“Don’t forget, this place is also crawling with bandits too.” I reminded him.

“I’m not worried about those brainless, putrid sacks of mism
atched body parts.” Ry replied.

He was right. Bandits were pretty harmless to us. They were nothing more than large, goon-like abominations of what would result in the mating of a crater troll and an over-sized Grethlor, the equivalent of a really ugly alligator in the human realm.

We had planned to simply ghost in and observe before making our presence known but to our surprise, the gates slowly began to open right before us, invitingly. A black stone road, leading into a small city spread before us, littered with extremely sexy vixens in all shapes and sizes. Fist sized scorpions and spiders skittered around on armored legs, which clicked loudly as they moved.

Though it was the high point of the afternoon, it was dismal and gray here, like a sheet of dirty cotton, broken up by random flashes of purple lightning every now and then. Numerous posts with glass bulbs dangling from each one, held glowing blue lights. They were actually souls trapped inside the lanterns, to be used as light sources for eternity.

We spotted the bandits and their failed attempts to remain hidden as if setting us up for some ambush. I didn’t trust the welcoming gesture but if anything happened, we had the obvious advantages here.

The smell of pungent meat roasting on an open spit
floated low, creeping and lingering across the ground like fog. In the mist of smoke, sashayed three incredibly shapely, bodacious silhouettes, all heading towards us.

“No weapons.” I whispered to each of them, even though we could distinctly hear the whispers and the clicks of the bandits readying theirs.

The three Psyrens stopped halfway, flanked by one of their vicious pet beasts, resembling a black, mutated lion. The way they exaggerated the sway of their hips was an obvious enticing invitation but one that should be preceded with caution.

We advanced forward slowly to maintain a casual, less threatening presence. Ry and Mac continued to observe and listen, while I kept my sights straight ahead.

The Psyren in the middle struck me as the take charge type for some reason. They all three carried very shapely curves, and were clothed in outfits that pretty much left only the color of their nipples to the imagination. They were smug, only because they believed that they had the attack advantage by having us inconspicuously surrounded.

Really? I couldn’t help but find their efforts amusing. We aren’t masters of this realm for nothing.

“To what do we owe this unexpected visit?” The one in the middle spoke with a seductive grin. Her completely neon green eyes, devoid of any pupils, were essentially molesting me as she spoke. She had a strange accent and it was nothing that I’d ever heard before. It was like a mix of human language, both Spanish and maybe French.

A large scorpion with an almost humanoid face, came running up and over her shoulder from beh
ind her. Its curled tail and stinger was poised almost erotically as it stroked her cheek with it.

I found that a tad disturbing
, personally.

From the corner of my eye, the scarf around the one on her right began to move…no, slither was more like it. Light reflecting off of the shiny, metal scales of the snake that glided around her waist, across her torso, and in between her breasts, finally came to rest around her neck and licked at her skin with its forked tongue.

Damn, the Psyrens were sexy, perverse, and dirty — and obviously not ashamed of it. Strangely enough, they weren’t anywhere near being my type but watching…well, that was a different story.

“Vessels to buy or trade, perhaps?” She raised a sultry thin brow, as her eyes went from mine, to Ry’s, and then Mac.

The snake charming Psyren, who literally wore an eye-patch for a skirt, and two band aids for a top, was definitely interested in Ry. Ry’s interest appeared mutual judging from the smirk on his face.

“No, actually. Curious as to what you do have in stock though.” I played the game.

“We show nothing unless you’re going to buy or…” The one the right was instantly suspicious of us.

The one in the middle brought up her palm swiftly to shut her up. “Wait. I know you…” she smirked as she began to eye rape me again.

“Cam`ael, right?” She grinned big, showcasing glittering rows of shiny, metallic teeth.

That sight of them made me flinch nervously.

“What brings you out this way anyway?” She then asked.

“And you two?” The one on her left asked with a nod of her head.

“Ryziel.” Snake Psyren lingered out with a sly grin.

Ry raised his brows and held up a hand, “Please, ladies, no autographs.”

She laughed, an eardrum stinging sound.

“Everyone knows who you guys are. Macai, right?” She then pointed and directed to Mac.

“You’re all very notorious around here.” The one in the middle commented then.

“And you three are?” I asked to continue with the pleasant small talk. So far, so good.

“What gives? You guys aren’t one for small talk. If you’ve come to steal vessels, it won’t be easy this time.” The hostile one on her right cut in again.

“Shut up, Saje
!” The one in the middle snapped.

The air crackled around Saje
, shocking the three of us for a brief moment. She appeared chagrined but she continued to scowl at us and pout silently.

“She’s a little on edge, along with all the others around here. Some of your brethren recently tore through and stole what took months to gather.” She explained.

“We aren’t all of the same company.” Mac replied.

“Well, you can understand our apprehension though. I’m Grace.” She smiled.

“Grace?” All three of us repeated in unison.

Psyrens had names? They didn’t seem so bad off hand but this was just the surface, aside from the wicked looking teeth.

She was affronted, hands on her bodacious hips.

“Yeah. Grace. I happen to like that name. Something wrong with that?”

“You look more like a vamped up Candy, Sasha, or Bambi.” Ry smirked.

She smiled sarcastically. “And you look like more of a beefed-up Wednesday Addams, or Marilyn Manson.”

Ry grimaced, “Marilyn Manson?! Bitch, I will kick…”

The beast beside the Psyrens instantly leapt forward, growling in warning but all Ry had to do was bare his own fangs and growl back. The ugly attack beast pulled back with a whimper, hiding behind the Psyrens this time.

“Calm down.” I stopped him quickly. Really? He was more upset about the Marilyn Manson comparison?

Mac was too busy gaping and drooling over their physical assets to even care or take part in any of the conversation. He seemed mystified by the huge, black scorpion that tittered on Grace’s shoulder like a well-trained pet.

“What’s with the sunglasses anyway? There’s never any sun here.” She then chuckled.

Ry raised both brows, “Oh, you wanna see what’s up?” He brought a hand up to take the sunglasses off.

I stopped him. This was going to get out of hand quickly. Ry is usually sarcastic and always joking around, I almost forgot about his temper though. He was a loyal friend who would go above and beyond to both defend and seek vengeance on others for you, but once you got on his bad side, you should never turn your back on him. Maybe I should have brought Nay or Rahab instead.