Read Splendor and Darkness (Rebel Angels) Online
Authors: Cyndi Friberg
“Their quests are complete,” Sariel said. “They are both human.”
“Not good enough.” Nate glared at him, stroking Lailah’s hair. “You will speak with the Council of Ancients—”
“This is beyond their power to change.”
“Then take your petition before the throne of God! This is not acceptable.”
Daniel chuckled. “Are you going to argue with the Empowered One?”
Lailah raised her head and her ice-crystal gaze met his. “Judith and Anna are locked in a room down the corridor. Let’s release them and figure out where we are.
”
Three days later Lailah sat on Nate’s lap in the great hall of Monthamn Castle. A fire crackled in the massive stone hearth, offering its warmth. His hand stroked her unbound hair. She leaned into the caress. “You need to stop brooding, my love. I have no regrets.”
He pressed a kiss against her temple and whispered in her ear, “You could use my guilt to bend me to your will.”
She chuckled. “I have other means for that.”
“You certainly do.” He nibbled at her ear then eased away. “You are human now and I love you desperately. I want no shame to fall upon you or any child that might come from our union.”
“I’m not even certain I can have children.”
“Will you still wed with me?”
She smiled, found his lips with her fingertips and kissed him tenderly. His arms tightened suddenly and his breath hitched. “What’s the matter?”
“We have visitors.” The hairs on the back of her neck prickled as he set her on the bench and stood. “You better have good news for me.”
Lailah stood as well, looping her arm around the crook of Nate’s elbow. “You’re being rude, Lord Monthamn. Who are our visitors?”
“We’ve come with a message from the Council of Ancients.” She recognized Sariel’s deep voice.
“And if you don’t accept their offer, they’ve agreed to let me deal with you.”
Sariel laughed. Lailah stiffened. Sariel seldom laughed.
The other voice…she hadn’t heard it in centuries, not since the day on the hillside. “Michael?”
“Aye.
It has been a long time.”
Swallowing with difficulty, Lailah waited for the intense rush of anger that generally accompanied thoughts of Michael. It had seemed natural to focus her fury on him. She felt a pang of resentment, but only a pang.
“This involves Daniel and Judith as well. Summon them, please.”
Lailah smiled at Sariel’s imperious tone. At least he’d said please.
Nate sent a servant to the solar to fetch Daniel and Judith. “Shall we sit around the table?”
“I have a gift for Lailah first,” Michael said.
Her heart thudded wildly and she clenched her hands into fists. Michael led the Armies of God. He dealt in punishment and reckoning. What could he have that she would want? Warm air wafted across her face then fingers touched her forehead.
“You provided hope while you dwelt in darkness.” His thumbs gently brushed across her lashes until she closed her eyes. “You surrendered the light to stop a virulent evil. God would honor your sacrifice.”
Her lids fluttered and her eyes tingled. She gasped. The heat intensified. Her breath escaped in a gradual hiss and Michael moved away.
“Nate, where are you?”
“
Here.
” He took her hands and guided them to his face.
Lailah took a deep breath and slowly lifted her lids. She blinked until her vision cleared and his features came into focus. He smiled and her heart turned over in her breast. Tenderness shone in his eyes, making her entire body tingle.
Wrapping his arms around her, he whispered, “I love you.” Then he kissed her thoroughly.
“What is this?” Laughter danced through Daniel’s tone. “The servant made it sound urgent. This doesn’t look urgent.”
Lailah eased away from Nate and smiled at Daniel.
“Your eyes…” Judith rushed to Lailah and hugged her.
“If I hug her, will you pummel me?” Daniel didn’t wait for Nate’s permission, however. He pulled Lailah into his arms and spun in a circle before returning her to Nate. Daniel’s beaming smile faded and his gaze turned speculative as he looked at Michael. “I thought our quests were complete.”
“They are.” Michael inclined his head and golden hair brushed his broad shoulders. Lailah had forgotten how regal he appeared, how formidable. “The assignments we are about to propose are long-term and strictly voluntary.”
“I think being seated would be a good idea.” Sariel motioned toward the table behind them. They all chose seats, the two angels on one side,
the
four humans on the other. “With Lailah’s sight restored, it brings us to another crossroad. The Council has been anticipating the arrival of the Empowered One.” Sariel looked at Nate. “Have you accepted that you are the one they seek?”
“I accept that I have abilities far more powerful than I ever dreamed possible, but Anna is gifted as well. How can you be certain I am the only one?”
Sariel smiled. “The Council came to the same conclusion. We believe there will be others, perhaps many others. These Empowered Ones will need a sanctuary, a place for training and sound direction.”
“You wish Monthamn Castle to become this sanctuary?”
“It’s more complicated than giving up your castle. The Council wants to appoint you Head of the Protectorate. You will be trained and educated by various members of the Grigori so you in turn can train the others.”
“Train them for what?” Daniel asked.
“Just what the name implies. The Protectorate will be an organization of Empowered Ones stationed strategically across the land. They will be aware of spiritual forces and able to combat—”
“You’re describing the role of the Guardians,” Daniel objected.
“Guardian Angels can be hampered by their own purity,” Michael said. “Because the members of the Protectorate are a blending of natures, they have unique abilities.”
“Anna sensed the demonic horde before the Guardians sounded the alarm.” Judith shuddered. “She is so young. Is there no way to restrict her abilities until she is more mature?”
“The Council believes it unwise to tamper with her development,” Sariel explained. “But they want to ensure her protection as she matures. This is the role they have chosen for Daniel. Are you willing to be Anna’s official Guardian?”
He looked at Judith, his dark eyes shining. “I will do whatever I can, without reservation.” Pausing for a deep breath, he turned back to Sariel. “But how will I protect someone as exceptional as Anna now that my abilities are gone?”
“A very good question.”
A smile bowed Sariel’s lips. “The Council has sanctioned me to empower you with specific abilities. The skill set of a Guardian will be restored to you so long as you use your abilities to protect Anna.”
“And when she no longer requires my protection?”
“You will be assigned to another.”
Judith scooted to the edge of her chair. “Will this make him immortal?”
“Immortality is more complicated than you might think. Angels are blessed with long lives, but they can be destroyed. The Council has been waiting for the proper time to form the Protectorate. They believe that time is now. An organization of this importance will not be established overnight or over the course of an average human life. For this reason all four of you will remain in your prime until the responsibilities can be passed to a new generation. If that takes fifty years or fifteen hundred…” He shrugged. “We shall have to wait and see.”
“And who will provide this new generation?” Lailah forced the words beyond dry lips. She longed to feel a new life growing inside her, knowing Nate had put it there.
“Your fundamental nature is human, so you should be able to conceive.”
She looked at Nate and found him grinning from ear to ear.
They lapsed into silence. Lailah’s head was spinning with questions and possibilities.
“Is this ending acceptable to you, o mighty Empowered One?” Sariel offered the question with a playful smile.
“It could not have been more perfect had I planned it myself.
”
By Cyndi Friberg
Neither wars, nor famine, nor Fairy curses have intimidated Lady Rowena of
Pendragon
, but now she finds herself locked in a battle of wills with Dominic of
Capstow
. Dominic is William Marshal’s trusted knight, and the regent has sent him to escort her to court so she can face claims brought forth by her scheming stepfather.
She’s infuriated, and insulted—and intrigued. Dominic is by far the most attractive man she has ever encountered. He’s dangerous and appealing and she needs him in her bed for reasons she dare not reveal. Knowing little about seduction, but more than willing to learn, Lady Rowena sets out on a conquest of her own.
The stakes are high, higher even than Lady Rowena realizes. For the Fairy curse is real and dark forces are at work, ready to tear the young lovers apart and rob them of their happily ever after.
Note to Reader
:
This book contains detailed descriptions of sizzling passion only suitable for mature readers.
From Cyndi
: I’ve been a fan of Historical romance for years and set out to capture the struggles and challenges of a feisty medieval woman determined to live life on her own terms. But, as usual, my muse had other ideas. The Fairy curse which was originally meant to thread through the story became an important subplot and Fair Fiona (a mischievous fairy trapped in our mortal realm) tried hard to take over the book. I hope you’ll find the outcome as entertaining as I did. I learned long ago not to argue with my muse. Enjoy!
About the Author
Anything-but-Ordinary is Cyndi's creed and her writing reflects her dedication to the concept. She writes in a variety of genres, but seems happiest in outer space. Her books have been nominated for numerous awards, and
Taken by Storm
was named Best Fantasy/Science Fiction Romance of the year by Romance Reviews Today.
She lives in Colorado with her high school sweetheart turned husband of many years. With a pampered cat curled on the corner of her desk, she dreams of fascinating words and larger than life adventures -- and wouldn't have it any other way!
Note from the Author
:
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Splendor and Darkness
, please take a moment to let your friends know about the book. It would mean the world to me. Thank you!