The Forsaken(34)

Immediately, Meredith took control. “You, Izzy, are going back to bed. Nathanael told us that he ordered you not to move. He would not be pleased, and before you argue, he’s right. Your wounds were grave last night. We almost lost you. Ruth? Tuck her back into the bed. Cornelia, please fetch some food from the kitchen for Izzy and bring her a cup of peppermint tea. I will talk to Gareth, and once you have eaten, I’ll check in on you and fill you in on what I know. That’s the best course of action for us all. We can no more run around this town looking for Shea than you. Since our exile the sisters have not used the weapons and I’m afraid letting them loose now would not be a wise choice. Let these friends, let these warriors, fight this fight for us.”

Izzy nodded, her will struggling with obedience. I should have made them continue to practice their weapons. I should be the one out there looking for Shea. It’s my job to keep them all safe. Once again, I’ve failed them.

Meredith waited until the other sisters left, doing as ordered. “The burden you take on for us is too much. Maybe it’s time for us to ask for forgiveness.”

A painful chuckle flew from Izzy. “She won’t hear it. Do you think I have not tried all this time to pray, to seek her guidance? For years, I prayed four times a day…ah, I see you thought I didn’t, but I did, Meredith. I prayed and waited. I opened my heart and achingly listened to nothing. This penance will never be served. We will never walk through the heavenly gates again. I am more than sorry I got you and all of them into this mess, and if I could trade my life to allow you all into the heavenly realm, I would. Even that sacrifice was met with silence. Never fear I will never leave you.”

“There will come a day when she will answer. We are not forgotten,” said Meredith, her voice measured and full of assurance.

Izzy didn’t say anything. Meredith didn’t hear the Cherub voices from the heavenly realm at night like she did. Her friend remained oblivious to what the Cherubs called them from the moment they were exiled—the Forsaken. Izzy hoped Meredith remained ignorant. Taking away her faith in the Mistress was not something Izzy planned. She might have lost hers years ago, but a Cherub without faith felt like a lost soul. A feeling no one deserves to live with. Izzy settled back under the covers, praying Nathanael found Shea and that they weren’t too late.

*

Nathanael wished with all his soul he had his wings. The high-pierced note had to have come from Shea. He knew the human, Mike, hadn’t heard it, but he did.

“This way. She’s down here.” Nathanael ran like he was chasing demons. Mike kept up, fortunately, because Nat wasn’t in the mood to wait for some human. Seraphim were faster and stronger than humans but Mike seemed to be genuinely concerned for Shea as he pumped his legs. Sprinting down a second alley, Nat almost missed her. Mike didn’t. He zeroed in on her crumpled form. She was curled into the fetal position. Mike fell to his knees beside Shea, and his hands shook as he gently covered her bloodied body. The smell of sulfur hit Nat. He suspected a demon had taken Shea’s soul.

“She needs to go to the hospital,” said Mike, cradling the unconscious Shea in his bulky arms close to his heart.

Nat shook his head. “No. We take her back to her sisters. They will mend her.”

Mike took two steps toward him. “Are you out of your freaking mind? She’s been attacked. She’s unconscious. She needs medical attention now, not later.” Without waiting for Nat to answer the big guy marched with his small burden out of the alley.

“No, Mike. She cannot go to a human hospital. They are unable to help her. Her sisters will sing to her and start the healing process.” I hope.

Mike turned on him. “What’s with all the weird talk? Human hospital, singing to her, no shit. That’s not going to help her.”

“For her it will. She’s not human.”

“The bunch of you are freaking nuts,” said Mike, still walking away from the alley.

“She looks human, but we are not,” said Nat.

“Great, you’re about to tell me she’s some freaking alien or something. Save it. Tell that one to the doctor.”

Nat did the only thing he could. He didn’t have his wings but he had his Seraphim glow, a holy glow he’d had to dampen since falling to Earth. “Mike, turn around.”

Mike turned. His mouth gaped open. “Holy Christ. Mother of God! What the Hell are you?”

Nat hovered off the ground, his body a golden glow. “I’m most certainly not from Hell. We are angels. Shea is a Cherub and I, a Seraphim. Her soul has been cruelly taken by a demon. The only thing that can save her now is her fellow Cherub sisters. Their heavenly voices will help heal her.”

Mike stood rock still, carefully tucking Shea’s small body closer to his. “I…I knew they were different, I just didn’t know…just didn’t even think. Holy shit, how is this even possible?”

Nat dropped his glow to stand before Mike. “I will explain what I can once she is safe with her sisters. Time is not our friend here. Why don’t I carry her back? We are going to need to run if we’re going to have a chance at healing her.”

Mike’s arms tensed. “No. I’ll carry her. I managed to keep pace running here with you and I sure as Hell don’t plan on letting her go now.”

“That’s what I thought you’d say.”