Gemini (27 page)

Cade

"Wake up, Cade."

I stirred at the sound of a familiar voice and drew my objecting lids open.

Elijah.

“How?” I forced out the question, confused at the appearance of my Eternal brother.

I had no idea how long I’d been here, or where I was for that matter.

My gaze struggled to focus.

Elijah crouched down beside me. “Are you surviving down here?”

“As best I can.” I pressed out the quiet words.

I lay on the dusky ground in a cold cell. Granite walls surrounded me. Slanted windows high upon them drew in red smoke that breezed freely throughout the dark realm. The smell was acrid, adding to the motives that stirred the bile within my stomach.

“How did you arrive here? The guards did not find you?”

"Oh, you know me. I have my tricks. You don’t look good. Hopefully, this will help some. Only wish I could do more.”

“You’re here, my friend. I could ask no more of you.”

He nodded. “What are you doing here?”

Elijah nudged me with a smile, attempting to lessen the dreadful mood in the room. Though within the dark realm, I wasn’t sure there was any other mood befitting of the situation.

"Zoe got herself in trouble again, didn't she?” Elijah laughed. “And of course, you had to bail her out. Why am I not surprised? What are we going to do about that girl?"

"Well, there isn’t much I can do here and now, is there?"

"Actually, there is," Elijah said. "Your lovely Chayah has healed. Finally. It took much out of Raz, but he was able to purify her light."

The tightness in my chest subsided a bit.

Elijah clasped his hands together.

"How is Zoe—back at school, I hope? Has she begun to record?”

“No, it was too late for that. It's December, and your light is burning out," he said. "I'm here to help, my friend. Zoe has Eternalized."

What?

"Oh yes. Raz healed her and right then and there, she changed before them. Before all of them. Had them freaked out beyond belief. You should've seen Phoebe's face when Zoe lit up and lifted off the bed."

"Can—I see?"

“Of course.” Elijah reached for my hands. His thoughts merged with mine, and his visions consumed me.

I closed my eyes and his visions flooded into my mind as if they were my own…
“I love you, Cade. Please hang on. I’m coming.”

Zoe’s words hung in the air as if she were here beside me. Her admission warmed my heart, giving a reprieve, however brief, from the reality of the situation.

Her transformation took place before my eyes.

Zoe gazed at our joined hands as my iridescent light of my aura consumed with all colors—merged with hers, then grew beyond us and encompassed our souls.

Her Gemini mark pulsed, and her heart now beat within mine.

I stared at my wrist.

There it was, in full bloom. The completed Gemini seal.

I traced the symbol with my fingers, her heartbeat pulsed beneath them, improving my own state as much as it could here in this cell.

The Convergence has begun. A rush of relief pressed through me then.

Zoe would survive.

Elijah showed me the vision of Zoe's light bursting from her as she Eternalized before their eyes. And now, before mine.

Her soul detached from her human form for the briefest of moments. As her Gemini, I could see her light at all times. I’d never observed her Eternalize before. If only I’d had a front row seat rather than watching from Elijah’s memories. But at this point, I’d take what I could get.

As her human form lay an empty vessel on the bed below, a vivid light, like a cloud, hovered above her body. Protecting it. Nurturing it. Never far, but separate all the same. The most beautiful scene I’d ever witnessed.
Breathtaking.

A silver cord connected her body to her soul. A spark of light moved through it, then pulled her soul back into her body.

Zoe sprung to her feet as the Firstborns fell to their knees in reverence.

Her warmth radiated through Elijah's hands and into mine. She was here with me, however faint, but still present.

"Remarkable."

Elijah seemed pleased at my reaction.

"So—what does this mean for me. For Zoe?”

“Well, my friend, your Gemini has indeed, initiated the Convergence. The next step is the Intention Ceremony.”

“That’s impossible.”

“You really don’t give me any credit, do you?” He chuckled lightly. "Gabrielle has given her blessing. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Or so the saying goes."

“I don’t think I can escape. This cell is cloaked, protected somehow. I’ve spent weeks searching for a way out, but there is none. I can only hope Zoe will be able to carry on with her life, for the brief time she has before the Trees is empty and Lilith’s reign comes full circle.”

“Cade.” Elijah rose to his feet and stared down on my limp body. “Though I can’t spring you yet, I think I can help with the next step, to hold the ceremony.”

I narrowed my gaze. His words made no sense. I could think of no way for Elijah to help. Zoe and I could not be connected. I was locked away in an encrypted tomb. One no being could penetrate. How Elijah was even here was beyond me.

“We’re going to try something a bit off the grid. It’s unconventional. It won’t get you out of here yet, but it will help you find your way to her.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Do you trust me, Cade?”

“Of course. I assume Raz sent you?”

“He’s been tied up with Zoe’s healing. This was all me. After everything that happened between me and Zoe, I figured I owed you both one.”

“What do you mean, what happened?”

“You know—” He shifted between his feet. “While I was human.”

“Elijah. You were loyal as ever an Eternal could be. You protected Zoe. Cared for her in a way I could not when my contact with her was forbidden. You have nothing to feel guilt over, brother.” I reached out and set my hand over his. “I owe you a great debt of gratitude. Zoe could not have survived this life without you.”

“I just wish I could have done more.” He sighed and rubbed his hands together.

“You did us both a great service, Elijah. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten or go unnoticed once Zoe understands the intention behind it.”

“I hope you’re right. After I left her that day, I had to stop keeping watch over her. It hurt too much to see her suffer, knowing it was my fault.”

“It was not by your hand. It was by her guardian’s. And Lilith’s. You were innocent, and you followed the rules of the Doctrine, just as you were meant to. This Doctrine was never intended to be without struggle. It’s a right we must endure. Zoe does suffer the greatest burden, but she doesn’t suffer alone. We all make sacrifices.”

“True. I just hope she can forgive me. I know I hurt her.”

“Zoe is a reasonable, loving soul. She will forgive you. She just needs time and patience. Raz taught me a lesson this incarnation. In trust. Zoe has never failed me, Elijah. She won’t fail you either.”

“Thanks for the pep talk.” Elijah cleared his throat. “Let’s get you to your Gemini.”

"What are we going to do?"

He crouched down before me again.

"Give me your hands. Your soul is taking a virtual trip."

Zoe

Gleaming pewter gates with designs carved into them stood so tall they nearly reached the lavender sky. Beyond the archaic fortress were lush green hills surrounding the compound, mountains with miles of tall trees as far as I could see.

Which was further than usual.

My senses were in hyper drive since I Eternalized.

I inhaled the fragrance of peonies that swirled in the air. Cade said I planted them in the garden.

Raz and the Firstborns stepped up behind me, taking in the beauty of Aravot.

Julian stood beside me, nudging my shoulder, drawing my attention to the two bodies of light that filtered through the gates and drifted their way toward me. I squinted at the sight while the Firstborns all fell to their knees. Again.

What is with them?

Raz squeezed my shoulder. "It’s ingrained from their Genesis blood—to bow before their Elders."

"I can hear you?"
My eyes narrowed at the sound of Raz's words in my head.

He laughed.
"Yes, Chayah. Your gifts are being returned."

A moment later, one light materialized, and the silhouette of a shadow transformed into a body.
Gabrielle.

I recognized the Archangel immediately. Honey blonde curls hung low down her back, swooshing around her shoulder. Porcelain skin. Pink cheeks and lips. Glorious aura, a golden glow blinded me, forcing my eyes to focus on the grass beneath my feet.

Beside her, the other form materialized from a matching golden light into an intimidatingly beautiful man—pushing seven feet, muscular. Bronzed skin. Blond hair.

I stepped back, lightheaded at the visions spinning around me.

Raz grabbed my arm and steadied me.

"Welcome home, Chayah. I am Michael, and this is Gabrielle."

She pulled me into a hug. Her arms wrapped around me, and her energy pulsed through my body, warming me instantly.

My skin lit up like she was sharing her light.

"Please stand," Michael lifted his hands toward the Firstborns. He and Gabrielle walked over to Phoebe and Remie first. "Remliel, it's a pleasure to meet you." Michael held out his hand, and they shook. Michael looked to Phoebe, then Remie. “Introductions are in order. Your Gemini is lovely.” Michael nodded. “What is your name, child?”

I knew it.
I stood a little taller as relief and pride flooded through me.

"This is Phoebe Kinkaid." Remie flushed and pulled Phoebe close.

Michael tipped his head toward her, forcing a flush to spread across her cheeks.

"I am pleased to see this match, Remliel. Take good care of this angel." Michael winked at me.

I lifted my chin.

Gabrielle clasped her hands and beamed. Her aura grew around her.
Amazing.

"Now, to the business at hand. Where is Cade?" Michael asked.

"In the dark realm," Raz said. "Lilith has returned, and Cade exchanged his life for Zoe's. The uprising has begun."

“So it has.” Michael pursed his lips. "Well then, Zoe, you must make your intentions known, so we may move forward." He nodded toward Gabrielle.

"Are you ready, Chayah?" Gabrielle glided toward me, her satiny white wings feathered in the air behind her.

I wondered where Cade was, if he was okay. Hurting. My chest thumped at the thought. I needed to bring him home.

“Yes.” I blew out slowly. “I’m ready.”

Gabrielle took my right hand in hers, then wrapped her free hand around the Gemini mark on my left wrist.

"Close your eyes, child. Focus your heart's energy on your Gemini."

I closed my eyes, and memories of Cade filled my head. The movie reel from earlier continued. Snippets of Cade, of me. Together. Some more unforgettable than others. My body lifted again.

Gabrielle held me steady. Took my right hand and held it to her heart. It pulsed beneath my palm. And though my eyes were closed, I could still see her light behind them.

The ambient sounds surrounding me faded out, and my vision went dark…

“
Cade.”

Tall and proud, arms outstretched, he stood just inside the platinum gates of Aravot. Waiting for me to take my place by his side.

His brilliant iridescent aura burned around him. The cerulean ring circling his irises deepened, and sparkled from the sunshine reflecting in them. His bronzed skin glowed. Something was different about him now. Different about me. My wrist pulsed, picking up its pace. The tingle raced through my arm and into my chest.

Our hearts synced.

Every nerve within me came alive as Cade reached for my hand, kissed my Gemini mark, and then laced his fingers with mine.

Cade led me along a path through a flower garden. Pink peonies and lavender, pastel tulips and calla lilies surrounded us. I blinked slowly, inhaling the sweet fragrance blowing in the warm breeze.

We reached an enchanting lake with a waterfall in the distance. Rocky plains stood beyond, and birds soared through the air.

Goose bumps rose on my arms as we reached the water’s edge.

The Chayah Fountain.

Cade stilled. He released my hand and waved them in front of him. A shimmering bridge appeared over the water. He took a step and gestured his head to the side, urging me forward.

We crossed the bridge toward the waterfall.

This place was like nothing I’d ever seen. No wonder they loved it here.

When we reached the waterfall, Cade lifted his hand above his head and the water stopped, freezing in mid-air.

My jaw dropped, and more goose bumps raced over my sensitive skin. The magic of this place was… I was lost for words.

Cade laughed, then continued leading me along the path beneath the cavern.

Beyond the lake, we reached a stone path bathed in wildflowers, pinks and purples—my favorites. The scent of peony and jasmine followed us. We floated along toward a wooden arch that hung with ivy and vining flowers.

We passed beneath the arch, and a foot ahead, stood a stone alter erected before a distant meadow. Once at the marble alter, Cade tapped his fingers on the stone.

The Genesis symbol was carved into it, with an infinity symbol. Two sets of names were carved inside each of the two circles of an infinity symbol…

Adam & Eve ~ Zoe & Cade.

Cade stood behind me, strong arms surrounding my waist, and he set his chin on my shoulder. His warmth filtered through me, and our hearts picked up their pace.

I traced the infinity symbol, and the smooth etchings beneath my fingertips tickled my skin.

So many things began to make sense—our lives together, the love Cade had for me that now coursed through my own beating heart. Peace filled me as Cade held me close, his soul synced with mine.