The Deal

The flat was spotless and it took over the whole floor. Stephen threw his keys on a small hook with a practiced move, and went to the kitchen. Everything was clean, like no one lived here. It felt weird.

"I know, it looks strange, doesn't it...?" - He said like he could read my mind.

"It look so... clean." - I admitted. He smirked, and poured a glass of beer for himself. I raised an eyebrow, but he just smiled.

"I'm 21."  - He explained. - "I do what I want."

"Oh." - I said with a dash of sarcasm. He didn't look 21 though, but I am just not gonna shatter his beliefs of him being the big guy. He offered me a glass too. At first I wanted to refuse it but I changed my mind, and accepted it. The bitter taste of the beer was far worse than I imagined it. - "This is awful."

"You'll learn to appreciate it." - He laughed. - "So tell me... why did you come to Seattle?"

"I actually don't know. Darren said I would be safe, and since we weren't that close, no one would look for me here, so I thought I won't get you guys in trouble as long as I keep a low profile, and leave as soon as  I can." - I said, and sipped my beer.

"Well, if my brother offered his flat, then you must have been close in my opinion." - He said, and drank the last sip of beer from his glass. - "Were you guys lovers or something?"
I chocked on the beer, and I shook my head violently.

"No, he dated my sister... or at least it looked like they were dating." - I said. He nodded slowly.

"Now it makes sense. And do you have a boyfriend who will eventually would try to find where you wandered off to?" - He asked, and leaned against the counter after he poured another glass of beer for himself. I was thinking of Rider as soon as he said the words. I haven't even answered when he nodded. - "So you do, huh."

"No, actually I don't." - I said, and I felt an empty space in my heart. That was the truth. We weren't dating with Rider, even though I knew how he felt, and he knew how I felt. But that was the best for both of us. I was a 'dangerous criminal' in the eyes of the council, and I have already caused more than enough trouble for him...- "I'm alone in this."
He smiled, and took another sip.

"So if Darren would have been trying to kill you, and sent you to me to do the dirty job, I could kill you without anyone looking for you?" - He asked. The blood froze in my veins.

"I... I trust Darren." - I whispered, but I wasn't sure of what would actually happen to me now. Stephen smirked, and took a step towards me. He smiled widely at me. He grasped my hand and began to pull me after himself. - "Where are we going?" - I asked. I was actually trembling in fear.

"I'm showing you around." - He answered with a huge grin on his face. - "I was just testing you. But you seem to be nice, so I approve."

"Approve of what?" - I asked.

"Letting you live with me." - He smiled at me, and spun me around, like we were dancing. That made me laugh, and a sigh of relief left my lips.

"Did you actually think I was gonna kill you?" - He said, holding me dangerously close. I could feel his 'hidden' signs. He was easy to read, and that scared me. Stephen was so open, and I felt like he pushed me into a situation I can't escape.
I decided that first of all, I will put some distance between us. I sup out from his hug, but he didn't let go of my hand.

"Maybe... I admit, it crossed my mind." - Smiled. He smirked, and began pulling me after himself again.

He dragged me across the flat up and down, showed me the huge bathroom, three rooms, Darren's, Joel's, and his, then he showed me to my room, and then the living room. He tried to make me look down from  the windows, but I kindly refused.
When he finally finished, I decided that will be the unfriendly stranger, and I told him that I was going to sleep. Stephen looked disappointed, but I was in a bad mood, and I was tired. I tried to call Iris, but she didn't pick it up - Not like I expected her to pick up.
I rolled out the maps again, and marked the places where I wanted to search. It was important to go over the places where demonic activity was high - only if I had someone who knew these places. Google knew nothing about them, of course.
I sighed, and rolled the maps again, and put them away. I changed out from my clothes into a pair of shorts and a huge t-shirt I found in the drawyers. I checked my phone... I had several messages from Rider. My heart jumped, and I vowed myself that I shall not answer, but I couldn't stop myself from reading them.

2014, March 20. 9:23 AM
Are you up yet? I thought we should plan some patrols for your sister together.

2014, March 20. 2:34 PM
Why aren't you answering me? Is everything alright?

2014, March 20. 10:07 PM
You left without telling me? Are you trying to kill yourself? Please, text me back, I have to know that you are alright! 

2014, March 21. 0:12 AM
Where are you? 

2014, March 21 1:48 AM
If you are alive, please let me know!

2014, March 21 1:56 Am
All your weapons are missing! I am worried, you know that I would feel better if you would have told me what is going on! Please?
I know you think it is a bad idea for us to be seen together, and to be lovers, but you have to understand that I need you, and right now, I am about to just drive off to nowhere with no direction hoping that I will find you eventually.
Please text me back...

The text came more and more often, but of course he didn't drove off to nowhere. He was smarter than that. I scrolled to the last message I got, a half hour ago.

2014, March 21 10:51 PM
Spirit, I am begging you... please, just let me know if you're alive.

I hesitated... That much I could do... but what if he locates me? I sighed, and I knew that I can't answer him... I knew that I have to remain silent, and just stay in the shadows until he forgets about me.
The phone buzzed in my hand, and I jumped in surprise.

2014, March 21. 11: 29 PM
Darren left the house saying that he is going to Seattle to join the institute there. I hope that if you are reading this, you have enough brain in your stubborn head to go and find an institute as well. 

That text made me smile a little. So I was stubborn in his opinion... I don't think he knows that this is the other way around to be exact.
I sighed, and turned off my phone. I put the knife under my pillow, and fell asleep while gripping the handle of it.


I was standing on the top of a building. It was a skyscraper, and as far as I could see, all the buildings were abandoned, all the windows were broken, and the ivy grew so high on the side of the buildings that it made the whole landscape look sweet'n'sour. 
The sun was setting, and a variety of orange colors painted the sky. I felt uneasy as I stood at the top.

"This is the future." - A voice said behind me. I spun around, and found myself facing my sister. She was beautiful, as always. I have always looked up to her, and I have always wanted to be just like her... 

"What do you mean? The people would abandon the cities just like that? I doubt so." - I smiled.

"No, they won't exactly abandon them..." - She sighed. - "There will be no one to inhabit these cities." - I stared at her wide-eyed. - "They will die... all of them."

"That's cannot be true..." - I said.

"Oh, but they will." - She smiled with sorrow in her eyes. Suddenly I realized that I was dreaming.

"Iris? Where are you?" - I asked.

"I am standing here." - She smiled.

"No, I mean, where are you now? You were abducted by demons." - I reminded her. The smile disappeared from her lips, and she began crying, but instead of tears, blood was rolling down her cheeks. Her skin lost color, and turned into an ash-grey color. 

"I don't know..." - She cried. I crouched down beside her, and she looked up at me. Her eyes were black, and blood was dripping from her eyes and mouth. It was horrifying, but I came over my disgust and fear, and cupped her face in my hands.

"You need to tell me where you are! I will come.." - She cut me off by pushing me away. As she moved, she left a trail of blood behind herself.

"No, you must stay away. They are looking for you too." - She hugged herself. - "They want to kill you too."
My throat went dry.

"A-are you dead?" - I asked the question I feared the most. She smiled, but that made her cough up a great amount of fresh blood.

"No, but I am neither alive." - She whispered. My heart tightened. I took a step forward her, but as she saw that, her eyes widened, and she let out a blood-freezing scream.

I sat up in my bed, my shirt damp with sweat, and I was still gripping the knife in my hands. Bright light spread through the room... the sunrise was beautiful. I climbed out from bed, and looked at the beautiful sight. I was careful not to look down.
The dream cause goosebumps down my spine, and even though the time was very early, I knew that I couldn't just go back to sleep like nothing had happened. So instead, I decided to go to the kitchen and make some coffee.

I could hear noise from the kitchen, so I quickly sneaked back into my room, and gripped my knife. I headed back to the kitchen, and when I got there, I faced Stephen. I felt kind of awkward, because I was standing in the hall with a knife in hand, barefoot, and in pajamas, and he was standing at the stove, shirtless, wearing nothing but his pj pants. I let out a sigh of relief, and put my knife on the counter. Stephen looked at me with raised eyebrows.

"What's the knife for?" - He asked.

"I am just very vary lately..." - I rubbed my eyes.

"I am not surprised..." - He said, and turned back to the stove. He was baking pancakes. - "If you want coffee, it's there." - He pointed at the coffee maker with the wooden spoon he was holding.

"Are you for real?" - i smiled. - "Making coffee, baking pancakes, cleaning this house... gosh you are like a perfect housewife." - I giggled. He smiled too, and looked at me with his water-colored eyes. I took out a bottle of Nutella from the fridge, and I took a spoon from the drawer. I felt like I have lived here in my entire life. This place didn't feel strange to me for a second... okay, maybe for a little, but now that I was in the kitchen with Stephen, it felt natural.

Stephen looked at me up and down, then a huge grin spread across his lips.

"Those are my shorts." - He pointed at the shorts I found in the drawers.

"Oh I am so sorry... I just didn't pack any pajamas and-"

"Hey, I don't mind. If you need anything just tell me." - He laughed. He was such a bubbly a nice person. I doubt I have ever met anyone like him. He didn't want anything from me, didn't act cold when we first met, didn't make harsh comments on my lack of knowledge, but was kind to me the entire time.

"Thanks..." - I shyly smiled at him. - "Oh, I think Darren is heading back here." - I said, remembering Rider's text.

"No, he is heading to the Seattle Institute, not here." - He corrected me. - "How do you know?" - He placed a huge plate of pancakes on the table, and took some from the top.

"I got a text from a friend." - I confessed.

"You didn't tell your friend that you are here, right?" - He asked. - "Because it could go very wrong for both of us."

"Of course not! I just didn't tell him that I will leave, so he is worried, but I cannot tell him that I'm even alive. He would immediately go searching for me... and it's for his own good to stay behind." - I played with the edge of the t-shirt.

"Are you worried about him?" - Stephen asked.

"No... well... yes. I'm kinda worried that he will do something extremely stupid." - Stephen patted my head, and put a plate full of pancakes front of me. I thanked him. - "So, are you the early bird type?" - I asked.

"No, not really." - He smirked as he began eating his pancakes. - "I just had some weird ass dreams tonight, so I decided it's the best if I just give up..how about you?"

"Same." - I smiled. - "Must be something in the air." - He nodded, and drank some coffee out of my cup. - "Hey! What the actual heck are you doing?" - I laughed.

"We are roommates, so we share." - He grinned, and that made me laugh even harder.

"Oh my god, you are so crazy." -I smiled at him. His phone began to ring, and he held up his index finger signing that we will continue, but he has to pick this up. Stephen greeted the person as Joel, so I guess it was his brother. As I listened to the conversation, a dash of guilt took me over. I was supposed to get ready to look for my sister, not sit in the kitchen of a luxury flat, eating pancakes, and joke around with a boy I just met... I lost my appetite, and lowered my fork.
Stephen talked in a serious voice, but I couldn't pay attention completely to the stuff they were discussing. They didn't talk much, and eventually, he just put the phone back facing down.

He turned back at me.
"Where were we?" - He asked, and the smile returned to his lips. I remembered a question I had from last night.

"Stephen, I have a big favor to ask you..." - I began. He put his fork down as well, and turned all of his attention towards me. - "I know we just met, but this is important. I need a guide. I just got familiar with this world, and I have no real connections..." - I began. Stephen's expression became troubled as he listened to me.

"Spirit, you do realize that you are asking me to get involved in this mess with high rank demons, and who knows what else." - He pointed out.

"I know, and it is just a favor I ask. You can say no, and I will not hold it against you..." - That was the truth. I have been enough trouble for him already, and I knew that he put his life at risk by taking me in. He sighed, and took a sip from my coffee - again.

"Eh, so be it. I have nothing else to do anyways." - He pulled on his shoulders - "I have been living as a human for the past couple years, and it's boring. Let's do something fun." - He smiled. I jumped up from my chair, and hugged him.

"Oh my god!! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" - I squeezed him as tightly as I could.

"Hey, calm down! Don't think I will do this for free." - He said.

"I'll do anything." - I said, and took a step back. - "I clean everything for the rest of my life, I can teach you archery, I can pay you, I just have to get a job, or whatever you need, I'll do it." - I knew it was a dangerous thing to say, considering that we only met last night. And that there might be things I actually wouldn't do to save my sister... for example, I wouldn't kill innocent people who have no business with this situation, but Stephen didn't seem like the kind of person who would ask me to kill.

"I am a pretty good archer myself, but I appreciate your offer. So you'll do anything?" - He asked.

"Yes." - I looked at him with a serious expression.

"Alright, I will think of something. Right now, let's just see what can we do." - With that, he began eating his pancakes again. I hugged him again, and he dropped his fork in surprise.

"Thanks, Stephen." - I whispered. He smiled at me, and picked up his fork, and began eating.

"Don't thank me just yet."

I sat back, and with my appetite returned, I ate the rest of my pancakes. So here we go, I made a deal with unknown conditions, but at least I will be able to get close to my sister, and might be able to even save her.

Escape

The sirens screamed loudly, and I was trying to put my gear on as quick as I could, but my hands were shaking, and fear was racing through my body, which made it extremely difficult to hurry. Rider was standing watch at the door, and I could feel his body tense up as we began to hear monstrous roars and death-screams.

I finally zipped up the gear, and fastened the gloves on my hands. I hurried to Rider, but I didn't dare to go first; I have never seen an actual, full-fledged demon. On practice, Morgen sometimes let me fight demons who were "my size" because either they were wounded, weak, or too young... but this was different. It was no practice.

"Get you weapons!" - Rider instructed, and he held up his blade, ready to bloc any attack coming from the door. I hurried to the drawers, and began to put the blades into their place on my belt. I had a scabbard on my back, where the long-sword belonged, and I pulled out a bow and a quiver of arrows. I pulled out an arrow, and held by bow ready to fire as soon as some creature tries to break down the door. These arrows were made to kill demons: their tip was dipped in the strongest poison, and on their side, the most deathly spell was carved into the wood. One shot, and the creature drops dead.

But the door never opened. Soon, the roars began to fade, and the screams quieted down as well. I lowered my bow, and put the arrow back in the quiver. Then, following Rider, I fastened the bow over my shoulder across my chest, and pulled out a dagger.
He opened the door, and then walked out. Rider looked around and lowered his weapon.

"They are gone..." - He said with disbelief in his voice. I took a deep breath, and then let my powers flow out, and search the mansion... I have no idea why didn't it came to me sooner.

"Yeah, they left through the front door just now." - I mumbled.

"The front door? Whoa, what a sophisticated demon herd." - He smirked. I could only roll my eyes. I put the dagger away as well, and joined to Rider. We both walked down to the social room, where we found some injured people, and a yelling Darren. He was raging, yelling, and he seemed like he was about to break down.
I remained quiet, since I haven't spent any time with him... we only exchanged a couple words when we met in the hall, but that wasn't enough to break the stranger zone. Of course I knew that he was dating my sister, and that they were paroling together most of the time, but that was about all I knew.

"I am telling you, we have to go after  them!" - He yelled at Flame (another person I haven't spent much time with ever since I came here. The fact that she was a Hell-Light kind of scared the crap out of me.

"Calm down, Iris is a big girl, she will be fine." - She tried to calm her. Hearing my sister's name made me vary.

"What happened to Iris?" - I asked back. All eyes turned towards me. Flame's eyes were full of sympathy.

"Oh honey." - She hurried towards me with her arms wide open, probably she wanted to hug me, but I dodged her arms, and took some steps back.

"No, just tell me what happened." - I insisted. Darren's eyes flashed on me.

"They took her." - He hissed. He was angry.

"Then why aren't we on our way already?" - I asked, and I felt terror take me over.

"Because they aren't just full-fledged demons. We have no chance against them. They are very high rank, and we just don't have the potential against such creatures." - Flame opened her arms wide.

"That's bullshit." - Darren pushed her shoulders. - "They might be high rank, but you are the daughter of Lucifer, I am a son of an angel and a demon, she is the daughter of a royal family, and Rider is an ex guardian. And then there is Morgen, who is the most talented Grigori we have seen so far! We would all risk our lives to save her, and you only don't agree with me because Remiel told you to stay here, and keep us all here!"

We all stared at Darren in shock... except Flame. She just stared at the ground, like a lost child. I felt my heart beat faster.

"Is that true?" - I asked. Rider put an arm on my shoulder, but I shook him off. - "Why are you holding us back? We can go and save her, I can still feel their presence nearby!" - I yelled, but she just shook her head.

"We have to stay. This isn't out business."

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN IT'S NOT OUR BUSINESS???? SHE IS MY SISTER!" - I shouted, but it was like she didn't even hear me. I threw my hands in the air, and hurried to the front gates. I could feel Darren, Rider, Morgen, and one more person behind me, but I didn't care who it was. All that mattered now is to find my sister, and bring her back as soon as possible. We got to the front door, but Flame somehow got there quicker, and with spreading her arms wide she tried to stop us.

"You can't leave." - She said, but I could tell that she was not liking that she had to stand against us.

"Get out of my way." - I said.

"I can't do that." - I could feel her power surround us, and even if it was impressive, I have felt stronger presence than this. I mirrored her moves, and spread my arms out wide, and let my powers flow out like when someone opens the gates. It poured like ocean water, and I saw Flame's eyes widen.

"Step. Aside." - I said, and she did as I said. We hurried out from the mansion, but as soon as I took a step forward, the demons disappeared... I could no longer feel them...

"No!" - I yelled, and began to sprint towards the front gates, but there was no sign of the demons, like they never even existed. At the gates, I fell on my knees, and stared at the distance. I lost them... they passed through some kind of barrier, or a portal, I don't know... but surely, they were out of a 100 km range... The others caught up to me, and Darren stopped by me.

"Where now?" - He asked. I buried my face in my hands and began crying.

"I don't know... they disappeared...." - I sobbed. - "I can't feel them anymore!" - I raised my head, and looked at the other side of the gate. - "Why did Flame try to stop us?"

For a second no one answered me. Then, Rider crouched down beside me, and scooped me up from the ground, and stood me up. He didn't let go of me, which I was thankful for since I wasn't sure I would be able to stand on my own.

"It's most likely that Remiel knew that the demons are coming, and since this is a celestial institute, they shouldn't have been able to even set a foot in here. It's protected with strong spells, and it has several traps for anyone who is non celestial. Remiel had to be the one who let them in." - The stranger began talking. I looked at him, and saw that it was a guy I met a couple days ago. His name was Haniel.

"But why did they take Iris? She didn't want to hurt anyone." - I said, and I felt Rider's hands tighten around me.

"They took her because she is legal successor of the Princeps Clan, since she is the oldest child of Lord Ambriel." - Rider whispered. I pushed him away, and I felt horror rush through my body. He tried to hug me again, but I screamed at him to leave me alone.

That day, I decided to leave the House of Shadows. I wasn't safe here, and I had to get going as soon as I could, since as long as the people around me knew who I was, I was not safe. Plus, now that I knew what Rider wanted, I couldn't stay here, and I had to leave without him. I couldn't let him ruin his life because of me.
I bet he will get over me soon, and probably won't even remember me.

Of course, I couldn't give up on Iris. She became my main target. As soon as I got back to my room, I locked the door, but now I was aware of Rider: I knew he would try to come in, so I carved the lock symbol into the door which basically made the door impossible to open or break down until I wanted them to.
I took out rolls of maps from a box I had under my bed. I knew that sooner or later we would have to leave this place, I just didn't think it would be so soon.
In that box I piled up $3,000, and some things I might need if we have to flee from here quickly. I don't know why I thought that we would have to leave, maybe just a feeling. But sadly I proved myself right.
I rolled out the maps on the floor. They weren't just maps of California, but a map of whole America, and I had maps of Europe, South America, even Russia.
But that was not what i was looking for. I dug through the box until I found another map.
It was a map of the land where Skydown was built and the surrounding cities of it. I knew I couldn't go there, but I read a book that said there was a portal near Skydown, which lead to another residence of the consilium, but that's where they were dealing with demons.... there, the head of the sub council (Hellflower) was no other than a lord from hell, named Nero. It had to be him who captured Iris, so there is a great chance that I would find her there.

I quickly folded up the maps, and stuffed everything in a bag. I changed from my gear - I couldn't go on the streets in a fighting gear, because it would draw too much attention. I also put my weapons in the bag. I only hid a knife in my boots.

I changed into a short black top and cheetah printed leggings, and since it was after nightfall, I pulled a green shirt on, which had a couple studs on the shoulder. I laced up my boots, and then I was ready to go.

I sneaked into Iris' room, which looked like nothing had happened. It made me feel uneasy. I grabbed the car keys from her desk, and turned around to leave the room, when I came across Remiel.

"What are you doing at the middle of the night?" - He asked, but a smile was still across his lips. The smile that I found kind at the beginning now reminded me of a poisonous snake. I figured that there was no point of lying.

"I am leaving." - I told him. He raised one of his snow white eyebrows in surprise.

"And where do you plan on staying? It's not like you have anywhere to go." - He was enjoying this.

"I have my ways. I'm not a child anymore, I will figure out everything." - With that I passed by him, but he grabbed my hand.

"If you leave this place, the hunt will begin for you. There is nowhere you can escape to." - He said with a faked worried expression on his face. I shook off his gloved hand.

"Leave me alone." - I hissed, and hurried down the staircase. I couldn't hear his footsteps, so I assumed he let me go, but I was sure that was not the last time I had to see his face, however I would gladly hope that I was wrong, and he would never come near me ever again.

There were a few people in the hall, but they ignored me completely. I guess that was good.

I hurried to the parking lot, and threw my bag on the back seat of the car. As soon as I started the engine, a figure appeared at the window beside me. I was tense already, and he made me scream... but then when I saw that it was just Darren, I felt a sudden relief. I rolled down the window.

"I'm leaving. Care for a ride?" - I asked, since I knew that he cared about my sister as much as I have. He shook his head.

"No, I have to stay here. The consilium knows my face, I would just get you into trouble. But here is the number of my brother, he lives in Seattle. Drive up there, and meet him at the Space Needle tomorrow after dark. His name is Stephen. We have a flat in the city, where no one would even try to look for you. You can rest up there, and stay as long as you like. I already fixed it up with Stephen, so you are good to go." - He said, and handed me a picture of a boy.

"Is this him?" - I asked. Darren nodded.

"He will help you. Now go. I'll open the gates for you." - With that he disappeared, and I rolled up the windows. So, there I was, with a picture of a boy, directions to follow, and a suicidal plan in my head to find my sister.

"Thank you, Darren." - I whispered.
I drove down the road, and I saw that the gates weren't exactly open, but torn form their place, and threw on the ground. I guess Darren got carried away. Well, shit.

I drove through the broken gates, down the road.
Finally I found an exit to the highway.

***

I drove as long as i could, but in Portland, I had to take a stop. It was about two hours before midday, and I couldn't go any further. I was exhausted. 

I stopped at a motel 6, and slept through the day until it was dark again. Since Seattle was only three hours away, and I had about two hour until sunset. Stephen is supposed to meet me after dark. 

I checked out, and sat back to the car. I need to get going. 

The sun had almost disappeared completely behind the horizon, when I passed by the stadium. I quickly checked Google maps on  my phone, and following the directions, I drove to the Space Needle. 

I parked the car, and walked to the park where the building stood. I didn't know if I'm supposed to meet him at the bottom of it, or at the top. I gripped the picture tightly in my hands, and looked around. I couldn't see anyone who looked like the guy on the picture. 

I flipped the picture over, and I saw a phone number. I quickly dialed.

"Hallo?" - He picked up after the second ring.

"Hallo, are you Stephen?" - I asked.

"Who asks?" - He asked.

"Spirit...Meadows." - I said my old last name after a second of thinking.

"Oh, the Princeps girl. Yeah, it's me. Where are you?" - He asked.

"I'm at the Space Needle right beside this glass garden." 

"Okay, stay there. I'll be there in a sec." - With that he hung up, and just a second after that I saw a guy waving at me. I checked the picture just in case, but it was him. For sure. He hurried up to me.

"Hey, I'm Stephen." - He reached his hand towards me. I shook it. He smiled kindly, but by now, I couldn't tell if a smile was enough to trust anyone... but he was Darren's brother, so I guess it was alright.

"Spirit." - I returned his smile. - "Thank you for letting me stay at your place until I get myself together."

"Don't mention it. It's actually Joel's and Darren's place." - He awkwardly scratched his head.

"Joel?" 

"Yeah, he is my other older brother. He almost never comes home though... he is kind of a troublesome guy." - He rolled his eyes.

"Oh, I see." - I smiled.

"Did you come by car?" - He asked. I just nodded. - "Oh thank god, I hat to go by bus." - we both laughed. He seemed like a nice guy. - "So, where are you planning to go after you 'get yourself together'?" - He asked. I just pulled on my shoulders. We began to walk back to my car.

"I don't know." - I lied. He nodded. - "Are you... you know... like Darren?" - I asked. He raised an eyebrow.

"What do you mean?" 

"Like, are you a half angel, half demon, like he is?" - I asked. I never thought this question would ever leave my mouth..

He stopped, and stared at me. - "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be rude or anything...."

"No, I am just surprised that you know that our family isn't the normal mix of hell lights you would come across." - He said. - "But yeah, I am like Darren."

"So how do you decide if you are a hell light, or a Grigori?" - I asked. -  "I mean you are an angel AND a demon, so how do you decide?" - I asked.

"It's kind of complicated. It isn't decided until our powers strengthen. Our abilities decide what we are." - He smiled at me. - "For example, angels are unable to  manipulate people, to shape-shift, or bend fire." - As he said that he looked around, and then opened his palm. A tiny flame burst between his fingers.

"Wow." - My eyes widened. He laughed, and closed his fingers. The fire died between them, like it wasn't there at all.

"So, yeah. I'm supposed to be more demonic than angelic." - he said, and put his hands into his pockets. - "However I don't feel that way."

He looked up at the sky, then suddenly back at me. - "I'm sorry... I talk too much."

"No, it's fine. I like to listen to people." - I smiled. We got back to my car, and he asked me if I'd let him drive. I was tired, so I did.

The trip was shorter than I expected. We were in the heart of the city, and he parked the car beside a skyscraper. We got out, and I followed him inside the building. I thought I'll faint when he pushed the button in the lift which said 76. 

"This is the tallest building in Seattle, so I think you will like the view." - He smiled. 

"Oh..." - That was all I could say. Too bad I had a fear of heights...

Hot and Cold

At first, I was so surprised because of the unexpected reaction from Morgen, that I had no idea what am I supposed to do in this situation. I have never even seen him act like this around anyone, especially not around me... it was a strange situation, probably for both of us.
I hugged him back after all... I couldn't just leave him being hugging me awkwardly... let's hug awkwardly together...

"It's me who should apologize... I just had a really rough time sleeping, and I was already all grumpy this morning." - I finally broke the silence.

"That's strange, I thought you slept well." - A face appeared from his room... Oh, just who I wanted to see *sarcasm*

"Oh. Hi Rider." - I mumbled, but I didn't have the nerve to look at him. I just didn't ave it in me to be all cocky when my mind was filled with the last sight of him before I fell asleep, when I still could smell his cologne on my clothes, when I still felt his warmth on my skin... even though we didn't do anything that night - that I know of - it was still hard for me to digest the whole situation.
I have never been in such a situation, but clearly, he was enjoying this more than he should. I wish that he could be the guy he used to be, when he was dating Adriel... I know it sounds freakish, but back then he was a real gentleman, and he cared for others' feelings more than just about his own.

Morgen just stood between us, awkwardly. I knew that he was his friend to begin with, so even if I felt that we got closer as friends, he would never look at me as a good friend like he looks at Rider. They were almost like brothers, and Morgen only knew me for a couple months - clearly not long enough to develop a long, and strong friendship.
But I give him credit for not making fun of me for letting that arrogant jerk sleep in my bed. Of course, it was not my choice - yeah, maybe I was telling myself that, but to be truly honest, even if the decorum orders, I didn't regret that I didn't kick him out, but there was no way I would ever admit that I let him use me like that...
However, it still made my heart ace to know that he was probably just feeling alone that night, and he had no feelings for me. Most likely, he would have done other things with me, if I would agree with such, but I was just not the type of girl.

"So, I guess then we are alright..." - I looked at Morgen. His cheeks were faintly pink. He was embarrassed for me too... I knew that if I don't leave now, I would say something to Rider that I would regret later, so I just decided that it would be the best to just say my good-byes for now, and just leave them be.

"Yeah." - Morgen smiled at me.

"Thank you." - I said finally, and gave him a kiss on the cheek, then began to walk to the other corridor, back to my room.

***

I sat on my bed, reading stories from the book that Cass gave me before he left. They were just simple fairy tales, but some names sounded so familiar, and I realized that there are traditional names inside my family that had been passed down from generations to generations with some modifications. And I also found the family motto... it was in Latin, so I was forced to turn to Google Translate for an  answer. Fortitudo, decus, gloriam. I know, it sounds... well strange. But it means something like strength, pride, glory - or something like that. 

I also found pictures of breathtaking places that existed somewhere in our world, hidden form human eyes, and out of the reach of ordinary people.

And even now I still counted as an ordinary girl in the eyes of the people around me.. they were all powerful creatures... powerful enough to erase my existence from this planet without a trace. I don't even know why the hell I'm still trying... 

At the same time, I counted at freak in both worlds. I had powers like no one else, and I couldn't say that they were useful for anyone. Sure enough, I was able to purify someone, but at the cost of sharing memories, and I didn't know how to control it. Maybe if there were people with abilities like mine, I could learn what can i do to stop this madness around me, and at least pretend that I am normal...

However, I doubt that I could go back to the human ways of living. I had blades in my drawers, made of weapons: different kind of daggers, I even had a sword in there somewhere... I had a fighting gear, and I had books, full of spells, and recipes for different kind of potions... It was... not normal.

And there was that thing... The thing inside me that made me feel ill at ease when I was alone in the dark, like there was a stranger watching me. Not like a guardian angel, but like a spy who gives information to the enemy, or an assassin on a mission to take my life. I didn't know what made me feel this way.

As I was thinking about this, a shard of memory passed through me, making me twitch. The feeling of the strong, warm arms embracing me in a hug, and a scent of cologne... the calm, strong heartbeat that I felt on my skin as I was pressed against his chest... I felt safe.

I felt safe with Rider, no matter what I try to make myself believe about what I felt. It was a good feeling, even if it was wrong to feel this way about a boy, who acted so strange, and loved none, but himself.

I hugged myself with trembling arms, trying to make the hole in my heart stop aching for something I am not supposed to miss, since it had never been mine. 

The door opened swiftly, and I let out a gasp in surprise. 

"Hello." - Rider was leaning against the door with an egoistic smile on his perfectly shaped lips. 

"I locked that door." - I said it in shock, but I could feel the anger rush through my body. - "Did you break in?!"

"I would't call it breaking in... let's say I just stopped by for a quick visit, shall we?" - He grinned. 

"For what?" - The question was reasonable to ask, I mean it's not every day that a fallen angel breaks your door... or at least I hoped that he doesn't plan to make a habit out of this. 

He pushed the door closed with his feet, so inhumanly graceful that it made my heart skip a beat. He swiftly moved towards me. I was sitting on the edge of the bed, and he placed his weight on his arms as he leaned on it towards me. His lips almost touched mine, but they stopped a half inch away.

"Did you think I let you get away with kissing Morgen?" - He whispered.

"That was just a friendly kiss on the cheek." - I said, and leaned a little backwards so I put two inches between us.

"I don't care. A kiss is a kiss..." - He moved closer again, and I had nowhere to escape, because he clasped my hands firmly in his. - "And I would have forgave you, but you left me there. I got no kiss." - Rider's voice was mocking, and I almost thought that he was just joking. Then, unexpectedly, he let me go, and just fell on my bed, and rubbed his face with his hands. 

"Are you okay?" - I asked, and put my book aside.

"Yeah, why?" - He looked at me with those incredible eyes that I fell for right at the moment when I first saw them. 

"To me it does not look like you are upset because you didn't get a kiss on the cheek." - I smiled. He laughed, and for a long moment, he just stared at my ceiling.

"What if it is my problem?" - Rider didn't turn towards me, but his eyes were on me. I smiled, and leaned to kiss him on the cheek. 

"There, happy now?" - I smiled. He smirked, but didn't say a thing for a long moment. 

"I need to ask a favor form you." - Rider sat up beside me, and I pulled my legs under me. 

"What is it?" - There was a limit to what I'd do for him, but I could just hope that he wouldn't ask something that he knew I wouldn't fulfill with a clear mind and heart. 

"There is someone who is coming here.. someone who used to be important for me, but by now, I really don't wanna see her. However she knows which room is mine... so would you mind if I just stay with you for a couple days...?" - Rider's eyes looked like a puppy dog's, and I could never resist puppy dog eyes. I mean really Rider?!!?!?!?! 

"But..." 

"I promise to behave." - He raised his eyebrows, and looked at me desperately.

"Oh.... I hate you." - I rolled my eyes. He just smiled, and I said the words that were unnecessary to say out loud - "Okay you can stay. But you will have to sleep on the couch." - To that, he looked a bit surprised.

"Why?"

"Because..." - I rolled my eyes. - "I am not gonna sleep with you in the same bed, under the same covers." - Rider was trying very hard not to burst out in laughter, but clearly he wasn't successful, because eventually he began to crack up. -"What?! It's not lady like..." - I murmured.

"Well, I try to keep that in mind next time." - He was wiping off tears his cheeks, and that was intimidating to be honest. - "What? Aren't you gonna hit me like you do when I tease you?"

That made me blush.. it is true, I used to hit him when he was being all annoying, but now.. "I don't feel like hitting you." - I confessed. He looked at me as if I slapped him: shocked and weirded out.

"Are you sick, or something?" - His husky voice caused goosebumps along my spine, and I just wanted him to stay here like this, just talking to me, and we could be close. But that was not an option, right? Especially since that girl who used to be precious to him was heading back here... what if they make up? The thought circled in my mind, painfully, but restlessly. He would ditch me, like he never even knew me.

Rider grabbed my shoulder. - "What's wrong? I can tell you are over-thinking something again..." - I stood up, trying to escape from the touch that left me longing for more.

"It's really nothing. I.... I gotta take a shower. I'll be back." - I lied, and swayed into the bathroom as quickly as I could. 

There, I washed off my makeup, and brushed my hair out, then jumped under the shower, but as soon as the water began to flow, I couldn't hold my tears back. I didn't even know why was I crying, but I was, and it felt like a relief. As the water was flowing down my face, my tears became invisible, like they never even existed, and it was just something I knew about, but no one else had even a chance, not even if they saw me to know that I was breaking inside for some reason i couldn't explain fully... was I falling in love?

Rider asked me once, back then, not long after we met, if I knew what love was. My answer was that I haven't put my heart on the line, and by now, I think that was better that way. Because now, it hurts. It hurts like hell. 

A faint knock awoke me from my mental-self-harm.

"What?" - I called.

"You're crying." - Rider answered, but he didn't open the door - thankfully.

"No." 

"Stop lying. I could hear it." - He said. His husky, deep voice was kind - kinder than I have ever heard it, even than the way he spoke in his memories, when his loved ones were hurt. 

"Please..." - I said quietly - "Just ignore me." - I let out a sour laugh. - "God, even I can't explain why I'm crying."

I stepped out from the shower, and wrapped a pink towel around myself. Like he felt that I wasn't entirely naked anymore, the door opened, and Rider was already beside me, and his strong arms wrapped around me tightly. 

"Don't cry..." - He whispered. - "I know that I am no guardian, not anyone to you... but I hate to see you cry." 

"Rider... my hair is wet... your clothes..." - I began but he cut me off.

"I don't fucking care if my shirt gets wet..." - Rider said in an annoyed voice. - "It can burn, get dirty, or wet, or whatever for all I care... just don't cry like that; alone, hiding your tears." - He murmured, and tightened his arms around me. I buried my face in his chest, and inhaled his scent.

"I don't understand you..." - I said, and I felt a faint smile play around the corners of my mouth. He held me away from himself so he could look into my eyes, and raised one eyebrow, like he always did, when he was asking a silent question - like he did now. - "I mean..." 

I blushed, and looked away, and accidentally I looked into the mirror. He was examining me, like it was the other way around, and he was trying to read me. Rider leaned forward, and I looked back at him, just in time to see the last second as his eyes shut before he kissed me... but that was no magic like when I purified him, nor fierceness and passion, like our kiss before I went running with Morgen. 

This kiss was soft, and kind. It was a soft flutter, like butter fly wings, quick as a stolen kiss, but still there... it was over in matter of seconds, but even after he backed away, I could feel the taste of his lips on mine. 

"What can you not understand about me? I have been trying to be very clear... but it was you who refused me over and over." - He stroked my chin. - "It was so hard to make myself decide to go against the law, and to stay here... but I decided, and ever since, I have been trying to reach out to you."

I unwrapped his arms, and backed away.

"I am sorry." - I looked up at him. - "I only cause trouble to you. Please, do not break the laws for me, do not try to anger the guys upstairs." - I couldn't find another definition for the people who ruled. He smiled, and licked his lips. (oh god... that was. hot.Very. Very. Very. HOT.) Then he opened his arms wide.

"I've already decided; I rather face them under any conditions than to leave you behind again." - He closed the distance between us, but i pushed him away.

"Have you lost your mind?!" - I yelled. I thought about Spiritus, and my father... they both decided to go against the rules and all they earned with their stubborn mentality is suffering, and pain. He couldn't really want that! I dug into my hair, and turned around.

"I know what I'm doing..." - He hugged me from behind, but the tears were already rolling down my cheeks as I imagined all the horrible things they would do to him... all the torture, and pain they would cause him just to force him to obey their laws.

"You are a liar." - I whispered. - "The consilium is merciless, and we both know that. You are not supposed to love, especially not a Nephilim.." - My shoulders trembled, and he just hugged me, tried to comfort me, but it hurt even more. The awful thoughts have scarred me as they came and go.

Rider turned me around, and forcefully kissed me. I pushed him again, and backed against the wall.

This was what I wanted? I wished that he would like me back, but I know about the consequences now. I knew them even then, but it seemed so impossible... however, Rider has to forget about me, and flee from here as far as he can. If the consilium finds out about that he found me, the youngest daughter of Prince Ambriel - who is supposed to be dead, and is still alive (just by existing, I was breaking the law, and I was a rebel in their eyes.) and I shouldn't be so selfish to pull him with me down to the depth of this slope. That I couldn't do. 

He was right that day, when he called me a whore, I just wish that he never changed his opinion about me. I wasn't worth his time, and even I didn't know what I wanted, but now, that he was here, asking me to choose between being with him, and live in fear, and just sit around while waiting for that fatal day when the punishment would come, or chase him away, and live in pain and longing for the things we could never do, and never have because of people who watch over us, and make sure that we behaved the way the saw it fit. 

I slid down beside the wall. He choose, and now it was my turn. I sighed. The dried tears pulled my skin, and my throat was sore from the screams I wanted to let out, but never had the chance.

"I can't do this to you again...." - I whispered as I looked at him. - "I can't just drag you down to hell with me." - He sat down beside me, and hugged me.

"I am going to hell anyways, but I can't leave... I can't just leave while I know that they will most likely come fore you, and try to take your life just because of a stupid name you never used."

"You know about that, huh?" - I wasn't even surprised anymore. 

"Yeah, but here is my offer: Iris and Darren are planning to leave, and they have a good reason. Remiel isn't the nice guy you think he is. He will turn you in, he will destroy you." - Rider pulled me closer. - "And it's not just Darren and your sister. It's Morgen, Haniel, and so many others. We cannot stick together, the whole group, because that would seem like a Riot to the consilium... but the four of us will go North, where I have some friends and start this all over..."

"What's the use?" - I whispered. - "We will always have to run."

"So?" - He held my chin between his thumb and index finger, and forced me to look at him - "I'd rather run

as a free person, then stay at one place, and be a caged captive. Run away with me."

I looked up at him, and felt a strong urge to say yes. His eyes were full of desperation, and his enthusiasm kind of stuck on me too... and that's when the sirens began to scream. We both jumped up.

"Get dressed, I'll wait for you in the room. But hurry... these sirens mean serious trouble.."

"What?" - I asked. He threw my gear at me, and I caught it as quick as I could.

"Demons."

A Bad Morgen... errrr... Morning

Strong sunlight pulled me out from my deep sleep. There was a strange feeling to my arms when I reached them out towards the other side of the bed... they only clasped the cold sheets. Something didn't feel right.
I opened my eyes and looked around. But I was alone.
Wait, that's how it supposed to be, so what is this feeling in me that tells me that something was off place...? As I checked, everything was on place, and nothing was missing from room.

Strips of memory flashed through my head... Ah, so that's why I felt strange. I fell asleep while Rider was here... but he was gone now. I scratched my head, and climbed out of bed.
What the hell did he want here? And how come I just fell asleep...? That was so strange.. I wonder if he did something to me, like made me inhale some kind of sleeping drug, or whatever.
I walked to the bathroom, and began my usual morning routine: Brushed my teeth, put my hair into a pony tail, and finally put on some make up. I wonder if I ever get to question Rider about last night.. He was hating me just a day ago, and he called me dangerous. He wanted my powers to be sealed for good.
Could anyone change form that to this in a couple of hours? To me, it seemed impossible.

But then there was again that thing he said to me back in the Green House, that he cares about me... but I was sure he was just mocking me. I really didn't know Rider at all, even if I knew all of his memories like they were my own.
He was a person who was impossible to figure out.

On the other hand, I became best friends with the guy who wanted to kill me on my first day here. I guess people do change very often, but that took him a month to let me in... actually, he didn't exactly let me in... we just understood each other well.
I was so confused about this whole thing...

I pulled on a white top, and light-washed  jeans with a loose mauve colored cardigan. As I looked at the mirror, I felt a sort of uneasiness. Something was wrong, and it wasn't just that I simply fell asleep in Rider's arms. There was something more to it, but I couldn't put my finger on the feeling. I looked at my hands, and realized that my ring was gone... the one that supposed to shut my powers off.
I went back to the bed, and quickly looked under the pillow, the sheets, I searched the nightstand, then went back to the bathroom, and checked the counters, the shower, everything... the ring was gone. Shit.
Devastated, I left the room, and walked down to the kitchen, where I ran into a girl I doubt I have ever seen here. She was humming a melody, and she was grinding some red stuff in the mortar, then she poured the dusted red stuff into a cup of water. She spun around her axis, and almost dropped her cup when she realized that she was not alone.

"Oh Gee!" - She screamed, and took a step back.

"I'm sorry, I didn't meant to surprise you." - I murmured, and opened the fridge to look for some yogurt.

"That's fine." - She said, and I head that she took a seat at the table. - "So, who are you?"

To that I looked up from the fridge, and smiled at her. She blinked at me with huge, yellow eyes. Well then, she was no human either. I was still not used to these physical differences in humans and these guys. I mean there was nothing wrong with it, it was just... strange for me.

"My name is Spirit." - I said finally. I decided to keep my last name to myself. After all, even I didn't know  if I was a Princeps or a Meadows. It was just too strange to even go into details... and that was only my name. Don't even get me started on the other stuff... that would be a terribly long story. - "What about you?" - I asked her.

"I'm Christabella." - She smiled back at me. Her dark, red velvet hair was long - almost down to her hips, and she had a couple braids randomly in her hair. - "Call me Chris." - She smiled. Chris had a delicate figure, and pale skin. - "So, what are you?"

"Excuse me?" - I couldn't quite understand what she meant.

"You know, like what's your species? For example I'm a vamp, and my friend, Ivy is a Forest Spirit... So, what are you?" - She repeated.

"Oh, I am a Nephilim." - I smiled. She raised an eyebrow.

"Wow, you act cute comparing to the fact that you belong to the third most arrogant species..." - She looked disappointed and surprised at the same time.

"I don't know what you mean..." - I said, and I sat down beside her with my bowl of cereal that I mixed with some fruits and yogurt.

"Oh, now I remember you!" - She said, and clapped her hands together. - "You are the girl who came with that other one who hangs around with Darren sometimes! And you are the one who hangs around Morgen and that arrogant asshole, Rider." - She said.

"That sums it up just fine..." - I grinned at her. - "And yeah, he is an actual asshole, if you ask me." - I noted. We both burst out laughing.

"I never understood why people get all worked up about the Fallen Ones to be honest." - She looked like something was there that she wanted to get off her chest. But, I didn't need to do anything, because she began speaking. - "I am a vamp since 300 years, but I have been living here for only the past two years. I have been part of a clan, and they were not celestials like this house is. They were neutral, so they didn't took part in the fights of either sides. I liked those years... they were peaceful.

But one night a group of Fallen Ones surrounded us, thinking that they were such big shots... they wanted to kill each member of my clan, and accused us of being allies with the demonic side. Of course, that wasn't the case, but in the eyes of a Fallen, there are only two sides... everything has to be black or white, yes or no.. ahh, Gee, they are terribly annoying!!
Anyways, they attacked my clan, and killed many of us. But there were many of us in the clan... so we eventually overpowered them, and chased them off our territory." - She sighed. - "Later on they came back with a greater group that we clearly had no chance against. It was just so not fair!! We had to make a pledge to become a celestial, and the clan had to break up. We had to leave behind our names and we were banned from joining any kind of clan anymore...  just because we were suspected of being spies. However they never had the chance of proving it, because it was not true."

"That must have been annoying..." - I sighed. - "I mean they had no right to break up your clan."

"Yep." - She swallowed the last drop of the red thingy - that I guessed to be some kind of dried blood mixed with water.. or some substitute, since she was vampire.

A tall girl, with cappuccino colored skin, and short chocolate-brown hair and huge, bright green eyes sat down front of us with a bowl of fruit.

"Hey guys." - She said, and popped a piece of peach into her mouth.

"Hey Ivy! This is Spirit!" - Chris introduced me. I just waved at her, because my mouth was full of cereal. - "She is a Nephilim." - When the word Nephilim left Chris's mouth, Ivy's hand stopped halfway to her mouth and she stared at me the same way Chris did at first.

"A Nephilim? And she is eating with us?" - It sounded like it was common knowledge that Nephilims are arrogant bitches. Well... sounds great.

"She isn't like the others, at least I think she isn't." - Chris said, and took a cherry from Ivy's bowl. She chewed it, and after swallowing, she continued speaking. - "I think Spirit's nice."

"Nice..? This chick?" - She shot me a glare full of disbelief. - "She had been hanging around with that Fallen jackass, and Morgen. Those two are so full of themselves.. why would she be different?"

"I am not here to be judged." - I stood up, and took my empty bowl to the sink. I washed the dishes that have been left in there along with mine. - "You can say whatever you want about me, but to me it seems like you guys have never met a Nephilim, who would care what others had to say. I don't know much about nephilims... I mean I know what I am, but I don't know any others... of course I know my sis and Morgen... well, actually Morgen counts as a Grigori to be exact, but still. I think it's up to the individual's personality to be arrogant rather than to it's species." - I said when I finished. Chris smiled at me, but Ivy just rolled her eyes.

"Please, do you think a tiger can pretend that he is an indoor cat?" - She snorted. - "We were born to be who we are." - To her comment, all I did was pull on my shoulders.

"Think whatever you want. It is up to you to believe me." - I said. Just as I finished my 'speech', Morgen came into the room, and began making coffee. He nodded a good-morning towards me, but he completely ignored the two other girls. I turned towards him.

"So what are we gonna do today on training?" - I asked.

"Nothing, today's training is canceled. You have to relax a bit." - He said without looking at me. - "Plus, I have to go to the city today; I will be in charge of today's patrol."

"When can I go patrolling with you guys?" - I asked, and I handed him the honey. He took it, and put two and a half spoonfuls of it into his coffee. He leaned against the counter, and took a sip before answering me.

"That's not my call. I think you are ready, even though we didn't practice that much face to face combat. You are good at archery, and you can shoot with basically anything so you could cover us from the rooftops... but as I said, it's not my call." - He sighed, and took another sip of coffee. I turned to the girls.

"Are you guys going to patrol as well?" - I asked, but before they could answer, Morgen made a noise that was between a sigh and a groan. I turned towards him.

"They don't patrol... only a few of the bloodsuckers come with us, but the leafy bitches always stay behind." - It seemed like Morgen wasn't fond of the Forest Spirits. I crossed my arms, and shoot him a killer glare.

"I don't wanna hear you call them like that ever again front of me! You can do whatever you want when I am not around, but when you talk to me, keep in mind that I don't like you being an ass to anyone. Especially not my friends. They are not bloodsuckers, they are vampires, and they are not leafy bitches, but Forest Spirits." - Said. Morgen just rolled his eyes.

"So now you are all peace and equality?" - He groaned in a tired voice. - "I remember Rider mentioning something about you being a diplomat type... Yesterday.. I think it was because you jumped between your brother and him when they got into a fight."

"They were childish." - I rolled my eyes.

"You are childish right now. These... things are not really celestials. They are here for only shelter. They don't worth a thing." - Morgen said. He pushed himself away from the counter, and wanted to walk past me, but before he could, I slapped him across the face.

"You are an arrogant asshole. I thought we were friends, that you understood what I did, and do, and why. But clearly, you don't care about anyone but yourself. If you were my friend, you wouldn't disrespect anyone like that front of me." -I threw my hands in the air, and I could feel anger rushing through my veins. Morgen touched his chin where my palms hit him - the skin turned red and I could tell that it actually hurt him.

"Woman..." - That was all he said, like it explained why I got so angry... I let out a deep breath, and with that, I walked out of the kitchen,
and ran down the staircase into the library. There, I found the reading quarters, and dropped on the couch, pulled up my legs, and tried to calm myself down... I got so mad at Morgen. My did he act so.. so.. racist against the others. I hated discrimination, since I have been there... I was the girl, who had to drop out from school, and the girl who was always made fun of when my old classmates stopped my for some food in the diner. They always made fun of me, saying that i must be stupid, and that i wasn't worth a cent..
They didn't know I didn't drop out because I wanted to... or even if they did, they didn't care.

I looked up, and found about seven people staring straight at me. Suddenly, Chris appeared, and sat down beside me. She looked like she was troubled...

"Spirit... You really didn't have to do that. We are used to the mean words, and unkind glares, today it was just another that we would have just skip over..." - She began.

"But you don't have to!" - I said, and hugged my knees. - "Everyone has a purpose, a reason to live for. No one is worthless... I hate to hear people talk about each other in such tone. I know I didn't have to stand up against Morgen's unkind words, but I just couldn't bare his arrogance. He can be kind, I know! I know that inside he is a good person, but he is just... ghaa.." - I was so angry!!

"Please, I came here to thank you." - Chris said, and smiled at me. - "There aren't many of us, who would dare to slap a Grigori across the face... " - That, I could imagine... I couldn't believe myself. I slapped the only actual friend I had. I mean, yeah I called Chris and Ivy my friends, but that weren't the same. Morgen was actually my friend, and looking back, I did take it a little too far... but still... He had no right.

"Yeah, probably even fewer who would slap Morgen C. Washington." - I smirked. Chris laughed, and that made me laugh to. - "Is he mad?" - I asked when we finally stopped laughing.

"Well, you can say that." - Chris said.. -"But I doubt that he is mad at you."

"What do you mean?" - I asked.

"After you left, he slammed the cup into the sink, which of course shattered into pieces. At that moment Remiel appeared, out of nowhere, and he just said 'you know you will have to pay for that' and with that he walked away. Morgen got so annoyed that he just stormed out. But he seemed upset somehow... probably not because he has to pay for a cup he broke." - Chris said and crossed her arms like she was cold. - "I think it was because what you told him... that he wasn't a good friend. I don't know him that much, but that would upset me too if a good friend of mine would say such things."

"Well, he wasn't being the best friend today." - I murmured.

"I dunno, to me it looks like he think of you as a good friend, and I don't think he was trying to upset you... probably he thought you were kidding at the beginning." - She sighed. - "You know he was right on some levels... we don't do much when it comes to patrols... that's not really our thing.."

"Everyone has their jobs... I'm sure you do too." - I said.

"That's true, but don't let your friendship die off like that because of a couple girls you just met. You seem to be a wise girl, and I hope that some day the consilium will be filled with people like you... but right now you have to go to him and make it up... I know that you probably had other reasons beside defending us, but trust me, it isn't worth it." - Chris gripped my hands in hers. - "I look up to you. You can always count on me, and I will do my best to be a good use for you. I cannot thank you enough for standing up for us. But right now, you have to go and talk this through with Morgen."

"You are probably right. But you are not a servant of mine... you don't have to be a good use for me. I think we are friends, so let's just be there for each other." - I smiled and I stood up. The people around us were watching like I had something on my face, or something. I did my best to ignore them.

I ran up the stairs. By the time I got to the 3rd floor from the library levels, I was breathing heavily. I stopped to catch my breath, and then walked to the second door from the staircase. I knocked kindly on the black wooden door. There were several Greek symbols carved into the wood, like wounds. Morgen preferred to think of himself as a Demigod rather than a Grigori.

"Who's it?" - An angered voice called out. Yup he was raging alright.

"It's me." - I said in a soft voice. I felt really bad for slapping him, and flipping out at him for something I wasn't involved in... I just let the anger of my past experiences out on him because he was doing a similar thing. - "Can we... can I come in?" - I asked.

I waited.. Nothing.
Then suddenly the door opened, and I was closed in his arms in a tight, brotherly hug, and he softly whispered - "I'm sorry."

See You Soon

I walked to my room with Cassiel, and he smiled at me kindly, when we reached my door. I knew he has to leave now. I knew that he had a lot of things to take care of, and he has a place to return to... a home.
But I was still sad that we cannot stay together. I just got my brother back, and I was losing him all over again.

"Can't I go with you?" - I asked. He just shook his head, and the smile faded a little from his lips.

"No, I am sorry. You belong here for the moment, and you have to complete your training. Believe me, I would take you with me if I could, but we still have to see what the Consilium thinks about this whole thing. I mean you and Iris were sentenced to death once before, and there are no promises that this death sentence had been taken back, just because they believed it had been carried out." - He sighed. - "I will go back to Skydown, and confront Father about this. I know he would be happy to hear that this time I found you for real."

"Were there really that many fakers?" - I asked.

"You wouldn't believe..." - He smirked, and stroked my hair. I rubbed my face against his palm. It was rough from the years of training, and the fights he had been through. I wanted to know even more about him, since we missed out so many years... I just couldn't believe he was here, and I could feel his warmth on my skin.

"Take care, and don't get into any trouble, alright?" - I felt tears well up in my eyes. Why is this so hard to say good bye to someone I just met?

"I'll try, but promise me you'll work hard, and by the time I come back, you will be strong, and a skilled Nephilim." - He hugged me tightly. My tears rolled down on my cheeks.

"Will you be gone for such a long time?" - I asked. He tightened his arms around me. I couldn't breathe, but I couldn't care less. I sobbed on his shoulders, and I felt a sudden pain in my chest. I've only know Cassiel for five hours, but I felt like we have known each other for years by now.
He put some distance between us, and reached into his bag. He handed me a book.

"This is the history of our family.... well kind of. In the holy grounds it lives on as a fairy tale. They think it's just made up, but I know you will find the truth in it. I have to say that this isn't really a happy ending story for most of the time. But we can still make it end well." - He wiped his nose in his sleeve - yuck. I took the book, where a page was marked with a sticky note. - "That is the tale of Spiritus and her son... the most recent. Even our names appear in the story, but I had a feeling that it wasn't finished when I read it. "

"Thank you." - I smiled, and wiped off my tears.

"Well I guess this is good bye, Spirit." - He sighed, and threw his bag over his shoulder.

"I prefer a 'see you soon'" - I smiled. I hugged him for the last time. - "I love you, brother."

"I love you too, sister." - He said. - "See you soon."

"See you soon" - I said as well. He kissed my forehead, and then just walked away. His figure disappeared around the corner. I ran after him, but by the time I turned around the corner of the corridor, he was gone.

I went back to my room, and sat down on my bed. Cassiel was alive, and he will come back. I know he will...
But right now, all I had left of him was this book. The pages were dark yellow at the beginning, but lighter at the back, they got whiter and whiter... I guess that this book had been modified over the years...they added pages to it.
I opened at the sticky note, and a letter fell out from the pages. I took it in my hands, and a very calligraphic handwriting on the top said "Dear Spirit."
So this was for me...? I began reading, with my heart pounding inside my rib cage like trapped hummingbird.

Dear Spirit,

You must be a beautiful little lady by the time you read this. I am the head Skydown, and the Sub Consilium as well, however, I would give up any office I have just to have a chance to turn back time, and stop all the disasters that happened to our family.

You must understand that I had been forced by the Head Consilium to take this office, and I cannot leave without their permission. I am living someone else's life... if I could choose my ways, we would have never been separated. 
I know this is hard to believe but there wasn't a moment in the past years, when I didn't think of where you are, or what you are doing... I regretted so many things in my life that I cannot make right, but there is one thing I might can change. 

You are reading this, so you were found. This, however doesn't mean you are safe. My heart is breaking to ask this from you, but please, do not seek Skydown. You will be killed if you come here, unless the Head Consilium decides otherwise. Keep that in mind that we cannot communicate, and we cannot meet... it is forbidden for me to do so, and you might be the one to be punished for my mistake, like it happened long ago, a couple months after your birth. 

Truly, I am sorry for what my decisions caused. I can't ask for your forgiveness, but I hope that one day you will look at me with no hurt in your eyes. 
I wonder if they are still the color of emerald, like they used to be....

I love you, Spirit, and as a father, I promise you that I will find a way to make you part of the Princeps Clan again. 

Sincerely,
Your loving Father, Ambriel Princeps

1999, March 23

He wasn't a cold man... at least not in this letter. But it was written two years after my birth.. I wonder if in the past 15 years changed him really that much. I wish I could communicate with him some way, but I hope that he will keep his promise, and work this out.
Because I want him to be like a father. I never had parents that I can remember of. I never had a father who taught me how to ride a bike, or helped me get my driver's license... I never had a mother, who would teach me how to do my makeup, or how to cook.
That was taught to me by the people surrounding me... they were a family in some ways, but not every way.

"No, Father. My eyes are no longer emerald." - I whispered. I had brown eyes now, and I have no idea how is it possible to have green eyes at birth and then brown eyes for the rest of your life.
Unless I am not the real Spirit Princeps, but that wasn't really a possibility. I was who I was.

Even if he said not to look for him, my heart was set on meeting him. Oh if that would be such an easy task. Why can't the things just work out like they are supposed to?

I picked up the book again, and began to read.


In a far away land, where people were peaceful and gentle and the power shimmered in all of them, there was a girl. Her heart was set to somewhere she could't reach: to a forbidden world, where people were humans, living by their own rules, and more free than she could ever imagine. But it wasn't in her power to pass through to the other world. 
She was powerful, and was a well respected warrior on her land. She was the daughter of a Prince, and she grew up up in the holy grounds. Her one and only wish was to see the land outside of the walls of her own world. She have read so much about what's outside, and at nights, when she wasn't at training, or fulfilled her duties as a royalty, she would sit at the roof of the castle, and reach towards to setting sun, wishing that she could be free, like the humans.
She was ready to give up everything just to be like them. 
Her name was Spiritus Princeps.

Eventually, she got what she desired, and the Head Consilium set her on charge of the patrols in the land of the living, where her duty was to get the land ready for the celestials to build their residence, to have a Sub Consilium, which would take over the ruling of the magic world among the humans, and set the balance.
The chosen place was near a village. Mountains surrounded the valley, and the forest was filled with animals. It was a perfect spot. 
Spiritus destroyed the evil spirits with the help of the patrol members she had chosen by herself. 

While she was in the valley, she became friends with the villagers, but kept her identity as a secret due to the law all angels must follow. The villagers saw her as a great hero, and they took good care of the patrolling group, as a way of thanking them for saving the village from the demons around. 

A villager named Devon Waters became precious to Spiritus. He was the second son of the Chief of the Village. Love bloomed between the two of them, and the fruit of their love began to grow under Spiritus' heart. 
The Head Consilium didn't take that as a good sign, and as a lesion, they sent the Executors to destroy the village. They did so, killing every each member of them, burning every house to the ground, and feeding every animal to the nearby wolf-packs. 
The Lord of the Princeps family took the child from Spiritus right after the birth, and forced his daughter to marry a Lord from another high rank family. 

However he did not have the heart of killing his first Grand-daughter, so he kept her by his side, raised her as an orphan, never telling her who she really was. She grew to become a great warrior, and eventually Lord Princeps assigned her to be his bodyguard.
She was named Mitis Nephilim, the first half-blood that became acknowledged by the Consilium itself, the first one to earn the place among the members of the new Sub Consilium.
They built the residence of the Sub Consilium upon the remains of the old village. 
Mitis was assigned to find all the Nephilims alive in the human world, assemble them, and teach them her ways. 

Spiritus gave birth to the Successor of the Princeps family, his name was Ambriel. He grew up to be the most respected man in the Sub Consilium, which was eventually named Skydown. 

Mitis met a Fallen Angel on her search, named Remiel Throne, and together they built an Institute for the magical creatures, who cared to serve the celestials, and they were meant to build a community with strong bonds between all the creatures and the Consilium. 
This place was named the House of Shadows. 

Ambriel Princeps was set on the position as the ambassador between the Institute and the Consilium. He spent several years in the Institute, but on his way home he never arrived at Skydown.
Ambriel took a rest in a city, named Santa Fe, and met a woman, who was aware of who he was. 
She was the daughter of a Nephilim, however she didn't inherited enough angelic blood to be a nephilim herself, but she was a courageous woman. She went by the name Farrah Glimmer. 
To the surprise of the Consilium, Ambriel announced that he gives up his office as an ambassador, and resigns to live among the Living. Spiritus, her mother begged him to stay, and to chose carefully of his future, but all of that were ignored, all her warnings weren't enough to stop him.

Ambriel beget four children, two boys - a twin, and two girls. The sons were named Ariel, and Cassiel. The older girl was named Iris, and the youngest daughter was named Spirit in honor of his mother. 
The Consilium punished him by forcing him back to Skydown, and killing his wife, and two daughters. He fought to protect the family he wasn't supposed to have, but failed. The twins however were taken with the young Lord, and were trained to be the best fighters they can be. Eventually they were sent out to the world as messengers to every House of shadows, to deliver messages from the Consilium. Lord Princeps took his office as an ambassador back, but he never left Skydown again.

Some years later, rumors began to spread about the Princeps daughters being alive. 

Sometimes the tales are true: we were alive. But why did my father named me after my grandma... that sound so old-school, and boring. I think the name Mitis would've fit me way better, since I was a Nephilim, not an angel after all.
But the fact that Spiritus was ready to give up everything she ever had just to become a human made me wonder. Were the magical places that boring? I wouldn't think so. Maybe to someone like me, they were exciting, because I have never seen such stuff, but to people like my grandmother, who grew up among those things it was just another pain in the butt.

Still I find it extremely unbelievable that the Holy Grounds were that 'awful'. However I felt sorrow for the villagers. They did not deserve the punishment.
That's how it always is: if a noble makes a mistake, the commonest suffer, I guess. At least that's what you can see in the history books all over the place. Due to this 'tale' it wasn't any different in this world either.

A knock on my door awoke me from my deep thoughts of analyzing the story.

"Who is it?" - I called out. The door opened, and Morgen appeared in a black sleeveless shirt and loose, light gray sweats. His tattoos were shown off nicely in that outfit... He held a bottle of water in his hands.

"Aren't you ready? It's Tuesday. We train on the beach, like we discussed. The sun is setting so it's not that hot anymore." - He said. I quickly ran into my bathroom, and changed into spandex and a tank top that I use for yoga most of the time... but that was all I could find. I pulled on my running shoes, and grabbed a sweater and a bottle of water.

"All set." - I came out while struggling with pulling my hair into a pony tail. Morgen raised an eyebrow. - "What?" - I asked. He took me by surprise by his unexpected reaction. He usually just turns, and goes, when I get ready. Now, he was standing and staring at me. - "C'mon dude, say something! Do I have a spot on my top?" - I looked down, but my top was freshly washed.

"Nah, you just always wear long pants, so I don't really get what's with the spandex all of the sudden." - He said.

"I like them.... they are comfy." - I explained, but my cheeks flushed. - "If you want I can change into yoga pants..." - To the offer, he just shook his head.

"No, it's fine. Now, let's go!" - He said. We walked down the corridor, and bumped into Rider. Our kiss flashed through my head, and I was too embarrassed to even look into his eyes, so I just waited while the Morgen and him finished discussing whatever they were talking about, and we could get going...
But right when I thought I got away without making a total loser out of myself, Rider grabbed my hand at the last minute. I turned around in surprise, and he used my surprise against me: before I could do anything our lips met, and he kissed me passionately.
I was so shocked that I didn't know what to do. I just stood there like a complete idiot.

When the kiss -and the damage - was done, he didn't back away immediately, but whispered into my still open mouth - "We are not finished, sweetheart."
And with that, he walked away. I just stared, but couldn't move. Morgen had to drag me after himself. Well great.. I was too shocked to even return the greeting that I received when we crossed the living room. I was basically just floating after Morgen, not knowing what the hell should I do, and wondering what he meant by that 'we are not finished'. That could be meant in so many ways!! Like we weren't finished with the discussion we had before I purified him, or we weren't finished with the purification, or we weren't finished as friends... or talking, or kissing... gaaahhh I am so confused!!!

"Snap out of it, will ya?" - Morgen hit my head playfully while we sat in the car. He was driving, and I was sitting beside him with my legs pulled up. - "I don't want you wander around on the beach like that..." - He said.

"Which beach are we going to visit???" - I asked with an excited voice, but deep inside I wanted to ask him to turn the car around, and let's skip the training today... I wanted to digest the whole situation with my brother, and everything that had happened in the past days.

Morgan drove around the block, and turned towards a splendid view.

"Say hello to Hermosa Beach!" - He smiled as he parked the car.

"This is amazing!" - I said with my mouth open. We jumped out from the car, and walked to the water.

"Okay, now... There is that palm-tree not far from here... I'd guess it's about 40 yards. We will run the warm up distance from here to there. From there, I want you to race me as fast as you can. The finish line will be at that dock, alright?" - He barked the instructions at me. I nodded, and clapped my hands together. He was a tough trainer, but today he was going easy on me. I wonder...

We began to jog side by side, but I could feel his body tense as he was preparing himself for the 'race' which was totally ridiculous, since no matter how I tried, there was just no way I could beat him. It's true that my time improved in the last couple days, but he was jut out of my league.

We passed the tree, and began sprinting side by side. About two yards before the finish, I laughed out loud, partly because he wasn't actually racing me - he was jogging on beside me, pretending to try - and partly because the fresh ocean breeze felt amazing combined with the warm touch of the setting sun on my skin. Oh dear, I loved LA. Morgen playfully messed up my hair, and he laughed too. We grinned at each other like two complete idiot... and that was the milestone, where we became friends from strangers.
After that day, we were more than friends... we were best friends.

We sat down on the sand, catching our breath, and stared at the last rays of orange-red light, and just listened to the ocean. I was relaxed, and now I understood why he didn't push me, nor made this a long, and tiresome training: he meant to ease my stress with this rather than work on my speed, or my balance, or reaction time, or any of those things. And I was happy that he did so. Because for the first time, I had a friend who understood me without words.

"Thank you." - I smiled at him. He nodded without even looking at me. I guess our friendship was the best for both of us... he wasn't into talking a lot, and I didn't feel like pouring my heart out to anyone right now. Just conceal, don't feel, right? Don't let it show... Yep, that was a quote from Frozen.

"So, you won." - He smiled, but I couldn't tell if he was smiling at me or at the ocean.

"Just because you let me." - I smirked, and he finally looked at me.

"I actually didn't." - He said. The smile froze on my lips.

"What...?"

That was such a shock to me... so he wasn't holding back? No, that's a lie! It was impossible to believe. We went back to the car, and drove back to the house. We said our good-nights, and I wandered back to my room. My body felt unusually light from fatigue, and all I wanted was a good night sleep.
My skin smelled like salt, sun, sand, and sweat... sounds gross, but I loved it. It's such a shame that it will fade without leaving any scent on my skin when I take a shower...
I stepped into my room, and I found Rider sitting on my bed, reading the book that Cass left here for me.

"What are you doing here?" - I asked. - "You know what? Don't answer. I need a shower."

"Want me to join?" - He offered with a mocking grin on his full lips. I threw my water bottle at him - which he caught without any effort. He never failed to amaze me with how swiftly he could move.

"Screw yourself." - I murmured, and slammed the bathroom door.

The shower felt amazing. The semi-cold water ran down my skin, leaving a refreshing trail. I scrubbed the sand off my feet, and out from my hair. The soap I just got from Iris a couple days ago smelled like peaches and yogurt - do not make fun of me, I like to smell like a dessert, ok?! - and the scent of jasmines in my shampoo made me relax even more. I quickly washed it off, so I didn't risk falling asleep in the shower... that would be embarrassing, especially with my nosy friend in the other room.
I rubbed my wet hair with a pink towel I grabbed off from the closest shelf, and dried my body. I pulled on my pj shorts and a large t-shirt with unicorns on it.
I went back to the room, and to my horror, Rider was looking at my drawings in my Sketchpad. That wouldn't be a bad thing if I wouldn't have sketches of him in it... while I had several visions of his past, I captured some that I liked, and there were some with him just standing, white wings spreading from his back...
He was at a picture of a lion, so he was still not at the part where through our bond our memories were shared. I quickly snatched the journal from his hand, and threw it on the bookshelf, and shielded the way to it with my body. Rider raised an eyebrow.

"Do you really think I cannot get it if I want it." - His arrogant tone was so annoying...

"Don't you dare..." - I made a face, because a malevolent smile spread across his lips. He hugged me, and tried to reach for the sketchbook, probably thinking that I am too distracted by how close he is, or I can't see through this obvious plan.

"Oh, please. I am not that oblivious!" - I said, and tickled him. That was one weakness I figured out about him through the memories.

"That was an unfair move." - He took a step back, quicker than lightning.

"Look who's talking." - I raised an eyebrow. He raised his hands as a sign of surrender. - "Okay, so what do you want from me. I am tired so just spill it, and get going."

I sat down on my bed, and pulled my legs up, then pushed them under the blanket. Oh my oh my, I just wanted to sleep so badly!! He sat down beside me, and pulled his legs up, like I did a moment ago, and before I knew it, he was right beside me.

"Ahh, I don't have the humor for this right now..." - I sighed. But he ignored me, and just turned off the light. Rider's body was so warm, and the scent of his cologne filled my nose. It was a nice smell, but now I will smell like a man for god knows how long - boy cologne was the hardest scent to get rid of. His arms embraced me in an unexpected hug, and for some strange reason, I felt safer than I ever did in my entire life. I was so tired that I didn't have any more energy to complain.

"Sweet dreams, Spirit.." - I heard while I floated halfway between awake and asleep.

"Good night, Angel..." - I mumbled. His chest shook, and I wasn't sure if he was crying, or laughing. He kissed my forehead , and I just drifted into a deep, dreamless sleep.