《My Demons》


 Prologue

    They are always there. Watching, waiting, protecting. On the day you are born something unknown to you is happening miles into the sky. Above a courageous angel is receiving orders.


    "Watch over your human. Guard them with all of your being! You have to be willing to die for them!" The angel Gabriel shouts. His voice echoes off the pure white pillars that support the golden throne room.


    "You cannot reveal yourself to your human, nor interfere where it is not your place, and never indulge in their practices or ways. If you break these laws you will be stripped of your powers and bound to Earth for eternity!" Gabriel finishes. He looks down at an angel with short cinnamon hair who is kneeling. The young angels golden eyes are piercing as he stares back at Gabriel with determination. Gabriel''s gaze lingers on the boy for only a moment while he scans the room one more time. He smiled, which was a rare occurrence, he had trained them well.


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.??"Now go!"

 Chapter One

    BANG! The starting gun fired with a distinct pop. Tess watched as the first runner in the four by one took off. She waited patiently at her spot in lane three. She was always put on the last leg since she had proven herself one of the fastest runners on the track team. Tess smoothed her sticky blonde hair back out of her eyes as the third runner pelted toward her.


    Come on Chelsie, pick it up! Pick it up! She yelled to herself, knowing she shouldn''t out loud. Chelsie had cost them the 400 earlier today and Tess''s team needed this win. She held out her hand, stretching her fingers for the baton, but Chelsie stumbled, making the hand-off slower than it should have been. Tess took off with the baton, legs pumping; an aggravated determination could be seen on her features. She had never lost the four by one since the track season started and she didn''t plan on losing today. Her lungs started to scream as she closed in on the head runner.


    Breathe... She coached herself, trying to focus on the finish line. Her legs were shot from the days earlier events and were trying to give in. In her ears rangshouts from the stand as everyonecheered her on, but Tess knew she couldn''t risk a glance at the stands. Tess managed to get herself beside the lead runner just as the finish line approached. Leaning forward, she crossed the finish line, almost falling on her face. Tess coughed, bending over and gasping for air in short hefty breaths. The teammates that had waited at the finish line for her, came over, asking how she felt and giving her healthy pats on the back.This wasn''thelping her breathing much,


    "Did....we...," She gasped, "win?" Everyone laughed.


    "Never thinking about your own well-being," Levi said, "typical Tess." He teased. Tess sat up and punched him in the arm halfheartedly. Levi and Tess had always grown up as best friends together. His blonde hair and grey eyes matched her own, and if you didn''t know who they were, you''d think they were siblings. Tess looked around at the field scattered with runners everywhere. The Stark County Wolverines, Tess''s school, were hosting this track meet. Tess began walking across the soft grass in the middle of the field, making sure her legs didn''t cramp up as per usual after she ran. Levi walked beside her, his height one of the only differences between them. She looked up at him.


    "Did I win?" Tess repeated. Levititled his head.


    "I think you did, but only by about this much." He answered, holding out his thumb and pointer finger, making them about an inch apart.


    "A win''s a win." Tess answered him quickly. There was an awful screech as the loudspeaker came on.


    "The winners of the girls four by one are...In Fourth place, Orange County. In third place, Union Pike." Tess grabbed Levi''s arm in anticipation. He chuckled.


    "Second place, Oak Ridge. And in first place, your Stark County Wolverines!" Tess gave a happy squeal and hugged her teammates around her, jumping up and down. Winning that race now gave them the lead for points at the meet. After the moment of celebration went away Tess walked over to the team''s tent, getting a water bottle out of the cooler. She opened the cap with a twist, and took a healthy gulp out of it. Hearing footsteps behind her, she turned to see her mom and dad standing there with big smiles on their faces. Tess walked over to them.


    "Good job, Honey." Her mom congratulated, brown eyes dancing with happiness.


    "You almost lost it there at the end, I was worried." Her dad said less cheerfully, his grey eyes held no sparkle. Tess rolled her eyes, if there was always something expositive to find in, anything her dad would find it.


    "Thanks." Tess mumbled to her father. Her dad didn''t say anything, but turned to watch the boy''s four by one. Tess walked toward the infield, straining to see Levi. He had just got the baton for the third leg and was meters ahead of the second place runner. Tess let out a cheer as he passed the baton on. Unfortunately the last leg runner was a fill in for a sick teammate and quickly lost all the ground Levi gained, finishing third. Tess fanned herself with her shirt.


    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.??"Well that''s disappointing." She sighed.


    "You bet." Her dad answered, which made her regret even making the comment.


    "Christian, don''t be such a Debby-downer." Tess''s mom said gently. Tess put a hand on her hip. That was her mom''s favorite phrase. Debby-downer? What did that even mean? Tess really didn''t care; she walked over toa breathless Levi.


    "All that work, just so he could blow it like that." Levi complained. Unlike the girl''s team, the boys didn''t have many runners and needed all the points they could get.


    "Maybe next time." Tessencouraged, even though she knew Levi had heard those words hundreds of times.


    "Sure." Levi responded grudgingly. Tess touched his arm in a comforting gesture. Levi had been working hard at the track meets; no doubt he would take the loss personally.


    "You want to go watch the last races?" Tess suggested.


    "Sure." Levi responded again.


    "You need to learn to expand your vocabulary." Tess joked. Levi''s lips twitched with a small smile in response.


    "Let''s just get this meet over with. He began walking to the middle of the field, his feet noiseless in the grass. Trotting, Tess strod ahead of him, a small challenge for him to speed up. Levi sauntered up beside her easily, his long legs giving him a small advantage. They both watched as the girls lined up for the two-mile race.


    ~~~~~~~~


    As always, the two-mile lulled by boringly with not much action. The Wolverines finished second and the same was repeated with the boys, only they finished first. Celebration was short lived as the loudspeaker came on again. An obvious frown tugged at Levi''s lipswhen the announcer said the boy''s team got third. Tess gave him a small tap on the shoulder.


    "Hey, it''s better than last time." She said encouragingly.


    "But still not as good as it should be." Levi sighed. Tess knew he was still mad about the four by one. The loudspeaker screeched as the results came out for the girl''s team. Tess''s heart jumped in excitement. In all her years of running she always found herself gettingantsy when that annoying loudspeaker came on with the results.


    "First place by one point is the Stark County-"The announcer didn''t get Wolverines out, loud cheers drown out his words. Tess''s grey eyes sparkled with happiness and she hugged Levi, jumping up and down. Levi laughed.


    "Hey Tess, we won." He said, grinning sheepishly. Tess stuck her tongue out.


    "Don''t go catching flies." Tess''s mom said behind them. Tess laughed and hugged her mom.


    "That was too close for comfort." Her father said. Tess watched Levi''s gaze narrow at her father. Tess mouthed "don''t" to him and he let out a sigh. Tess waved to her parentsbefore she ran over to help the team pack up all the track equipment. Levi was quiet as they collapsed the track tent, putting the tent in its bag.


    "What''s wrong?" Tess asked, walking beside him.


    "One day, someone''s going to set your father straight." He started. Tess frowned, lookingat his expression. Levi did not like Tess''s father, the only reason there had never been an argument was because of Levi''s respect for Tess.


    "Levi ,please don''t." She groaned. Levi''s jaw was set.


    "I hope it''s me." He said flatly.

 Chapter Two

    Silas frowned as his belt refused to buckle. He was in a hurry. He had been watching over Tess at her track meet, making sure nothing would go wrong, as so many things could. Towards the end of the meet he realized he had left his sword up in Heaven and had gone back to get it. Now, in the most inconvenient of times, the belt felt like giving him trouble. His golden eyes smoldered with worry.


    What if she fell and broke her leg...or another runner attacked her? He shook his head, Gabriel had always warned him not to worry about his human.


    "They aren''t completely helpless without us." The angel had said with a chuckle.


    "Oh yeah, sure Gabriel, like the time I left Tess for two seconds and she got a bloody nose." Silas huffed aloud. He had felt guilty for days when she had gotten that bloody nose as a ten year old. Tess had been throwing a baseball around with Levi. Silas had turned around hearing a branch crack and when he turned back Tess was holding her nose and crying her eyes out. Silas groaned at the memory, it made his chest ache. After that day he had kept a closer watch over her, never leaving her alone. Excluding when she got changed and used the bathroom or the shower, then that would have been...well creepy.


    I won''t disappoint her ever again. He vowed it daily to himself, even though she couldn''t hear the him. With that lingering thought, he stretched out his white feathery wings. One common weakness among angel''s wasthe fondness for their wings. They were an angels pride and joy. He flicked his fingers, making the wings translucent before turning himself invisible. He jumped down onto a cloud with ease, white smoke curling around his ankles as he landed. Walking to the edge ofthe cloud and looking down from the sky, he scanned the road for Tess''s family vehicle. He quickly spotted it, an ugly yellow Chevy truck. He never understood humans taste in color, but a least it made Tess''s family easy to follow. He took a deep breath, gathering up strength. No matter how many times he jumped from the clouds it always felt like his first. He folded his wings and stepped off. Anyone who would''ve seen him would think he was crazy; it was like walking off the edge of a cliff for humans. Silas closed his eyes in bliss as the wind tore at his skin with vigor. His hair undoubtedly would be windblown by the time he landed. He plummeted toward the Earth head first in a downward spiral. Silas opened his shining eyes, feeling the change in air temperature as he came closer to Tess''s truck. Slowing his descent, Silas quickly flipped upright, sticking his feet out in front of him. He opened his wings as they caught the air. His feet touched the bed of the truck with not so much as a creak. Silas smiled.


    "Another perfect landing if I do say so myself." He chuckled, smoothing down his mess of brown hair. Silas looked through the back window, knowing Tess would have no idea he was there. Her countenance appeared happy and yet angry towards her father. Silas sighed, he knew Tess was not her father''s biggest fan and neither was Silas. The man always seemed distant and uncaring to Tess''s feelings. Silas could remember countless nights Tess would sit in her room, tears streaming down her face as another argument with her father would transpire. As Tess''s guardian ,Silas often felt his anger burn against her father, but he knew he could do nothing about unless he wanted to be cast out of Heaven.


    If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.??"Can''t you just be happy that I won a race for once in your life?" Tess was saying to her father.


    "Tess, you aren''t pushing yourself like you could. I know you can beat every single one of the seniors at any school, on any given day. You need to try harder." Her father responded lowly. Tess looked taken aback.


    "I need to try harder? I work hard every week to try and beat my personal record!" She raised her voice.


    "Tess." Her mother reprimanded softly. Frowning Tess turned, laying her head on her forearm and staring up at the stars. She gazed out the back window of the truck, her grey eyes reflecting an internal storm. Silas looked right back into her eyes, feeling her anger and hurt.


    If only we were allowed to comfort our humans... Silas thought downheartedly. The thought was quickly cast aside and Silas stood up rigidly. The driver down the road was weaving badly and Silas immediately knew he was drunk. Silas quickly jumped onto the truck roof, propelling himself off of it. He darted forward with propulsion from his wings. Silas felt his heart beat speed up as he neared the impaired driver.He looked completely wasted. Flying to the side of the vehicle, Silas recognized it would take a lot of his strength to keep this car going straight on the road, but he wouldn''t have time for any other action. The roar of the yellow Chevy truck began to buzz in his ears. He braced his hands onto the side of the car and began pushing. His muscles began to burn as the driver kept trying to weave back. Silas yelled in pain as his arms pushed the vehicle on the right path. Tess''s Chevy appeared quicker than he had anticipated and Silas flapped his wings trying to get the driver over. The smell of car exhaust flooded his nose, chokingall senses. There was the sound of a car horn and then Silas screamed as the yellow truck clipped him in the back, knocking him off the drunk driver''s car.Silas felta falling sensation before he hit the ground.His teeth chatteredwhen his head clashed with the road and his left arm burned as skin was torn from it. He ground his teeth together, fighting the painwhile he scrambled off the road. His eyes scanned the road,seeing the fading image of Tess''s vehicle traveling down the road unharmed. Silas let out a sigh of relief that turned into a groan as he collapsed into the ditch. Pushing, he tried to get himself off the ground, but flopped down in vain.


    "You''re an idiot." Came a girl''s voice behind him. Silas shifted his head to locate the source of the voice.


    "How about you help me, Diana? Did you consider that?" He seethed through clinched teeth.


    "Fine." Responded the female angel. She landed on the ground beside him; her raven black hair reflected the moon''s beams. She grabbed his arm and helped him up.


    "Thanks." Silas breathed.


    "Don''t thank me yet." Diana said, unfolding her wings and shooting towards the clouds, dragging Silas in tow.

 Chapter Three

    Tess''s mom let out a frightened scream and Tess gripped the side of the truck as her dad swerved, narrowly missing the other vehicle. Her father''s face grew red and angry.


    "What in heaven''s name was that?!" He yelled. Tess let go of the side of the truck slowly and looked out the back window. The driver of the other vehicle was in the wrong lane.


    "I think he is drunk." Tess said, looking at the vehicle one more time. She wondered if someone should report that guy, whoever he was.


    "Drunk or a blasted idiot." Tess''s dad vented. Tess noticed his knuckles were white and the veins in his neckwere pulsing. Her mom seemed frozen in place. Tess felt like snapping her fingers in her face to get her attention.


    "The quicker we get home, the better." Christian said, lowering his voice. For once, Tess agreed with her father. She sat quietly for the last five minutes of the drive home thinking to herself.


    What if we had died? The question echoed through her head as her dad pulled into the driveway. She jumped out of the back seat, circling around to the bed of the truck to grab her gym bag. She walked by the driver''s side of the truck and paused. There was a giant dent on the driver side door. She leaned close, fingering the dent.


    We didn''t hit the other driver, I know we didn''t. She looked at the dent closer. Then what could this be?


    "Tess, get out of that cold night air before you freeze to death!" Tess''s mom shouted, bringing Tess back to reality.


    "Coming!" She answered. Glancing at the dent one more time, Tess shrugged and walked into the house. Tess walked down the hallway into her room. She kicked her shoes off and dumped her gym bag on the floor. Taking a long breath, Tess sighed. Her room always smelled like lavender, and the light purple walls gave it a calm feeling. Tess flopped on her bed, making it creak in response. She sat up and grabbed the backpack by her bed that contained her laptop. She laid the laptop against the blue covers and snapped it open. Tess waited for what seemed like an hour before the screen finally came to life. Scrolling through all her online assignments, she saw the writing one which was due Monday. Tess opened the app to see what she had written so far. Staring back at her on the computer page was one measly sentence. "Why is writing important?" Was all it said. Tess chewed on her lip.


    "Later." She said simply and closed the laptop, sticking it back into the bag. If there was one thing Tess would put off as long as possible it was that writing assignment. Her phone buzzed on her nightstand and she rolled to the side of her bed, picking it up. It was a text from Levi asking about assignments that they had.


    "Did you lose them again?" Tess text back. She waited a couple of seconds before the phone buzzed again.


    "Maybe..." The text read. Tess let out a small laugh and text him the assignments. Everything was due in a couple of days since the school was on break until Monday. Her phone buzzed one more time.


    "Thanks Tessie, and don''t listen to your father. You are good, no matter what he thinks." Tess sighed.


    "Easy for you to say." She grumbled aloud. Flopping over, Tess grabbed her headphones and iPhone. She turned on her music and the last thingshe remembered was whispering the lyrics to "My Demons" by Starset.


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Tess opened her eyes slowly as light danced through her eyelids. She flipped over and felt a small tug in her ears. Groaning, she reached her hand up and pulled out her ear buds she had left in last night. The smell of sweaty clothes brought her gaze down to her outfit. Her nose wrinkled; she hadn''t planned on sleeping in her track outfit. Tess stretched and winced, her shoulder and leg muscles ached. She hopped into the bathroom that was connected to her room. For a while, Tess just stood in the shower and let the warm water and suds wash the grime off of her body before actually attempting to clean her hair. When the soreness finally decreased in her legs, she stepped out of the shower. Tesspulledona pink tank top and shorts that werehigher than her mom would have liked. She let her blonde hair fall over her shoulders in long flowingwaves after a lengthy battle with the blow dryer.Walking down the hallway, she peeked into the kitchen. Her mother was cooking eggs and toast. Tess walked over to the fridge and grabbed the milk jug. Reaching into the cabinet, she also grabbed a cheap glass. After filling the glass, Tess set down at the tablein front ofa plate her mom had set for her.


    "Thanks mom." Tess said politely and her mom nodded from the stove. Halfway through her food, Tess''s dad finally entered the kitchen.


    "Morning Eugene." He said and kissed her mother on the top of the head.


    "Tessie." Her father said to her. He knew better than to make any attempt to hug Tess. Tess finished off her plate in a few simple bites and put the dish along with her milk glass in the sink.


    "I''m going out for a run." Tess said to her mom, who turned around. Tess''s mom frowned at her pants, but didn''t say anything.


    "Be back before two." Her mom said tactfully and Tess nodded. Walking back towards her room, she pulled on her running shoes and looked in the mirror. Her hair needed to be put in a ponytail and she did so quickly. She looked down at her silver cross shaped necklace. Her father had told her since she was a child to never take it off, but it always bounced in her face when she went running. Looking around, she quickly reached up and unclasped the necklace, laying it gingerly on the dresser. Tess walked back down the hallway quickly and opened the door. She didn''t even have one foot outside when she heard her father behind her.


    "Tess, what did I tell you about that necklace?" He asked.


    "Dad, seriously what''s the big deal? It''s just a necklace and it always gets in the way when I run." Tess complained with a hint of an annoyed whine in her voice. They''d had this arguement many times before. What did her father think this necklace was? Some idol?


    "Go back to your room and put that necklace on this instant." Her father commanded. Tess glanced over his shoulder at her mother.


    "Mom? Please?" Her mom didn''t look up from washing the dishes.


    "Tess, listen to your father." She said. Tess''s mouth gaped open and then closed with an unsaid comment. Then, she let out an aggravated shriek, walking, more like stomping, to her room. She put the necklace on, glaring at the stupid silver cross. Walking back to the door, she glanced at both her watching parents.


    "Happy now? I put the damn necklace on!" She shouted, slamming the front door behind her.


    "You''re both crazy!" She added, descending down the porch stairs. Tess saw movement by the front window andshe could feel her father''s gaze boring into the back of her neck as she took off down the street. She didn''t care. They couldn''t force her to come back into the house.

 Chapter Four

    Silas flew above Tess, his body full of aches from hitting her truck last night. He had a job to do though and wouldn''t leave her. His t-shirt and jeans were not the typical angel wear, but he found them more comfortable. Tess ran every day to help strengthen her running skills, but today she looked like she was determined to propel herself as far away from her house as possible. She had kept a steady, fast pace for over two miles and something about the look on her face was unsettling. Silas had heard the small argument transpire as she left the house. Silas had been disappointed in the words she had directed at her parents, but yet he knew how she felt.


    What did her father think was so important about that necklace? Watching her as a child, Silas could remember the sense of urgency and anger her father would feel when he found the discarded necklace around the house. Silas''s brow furrowed, he remembered seeing something in Christian''s eyes when he put the necklace back on Tess''s neck. Something like a deep relief, as if the world would be right again. He flew down close to Tess, watching the necklacebounce with her movements. There was something about the necklace that struck him as odd. He tried to concentrate on what it was, but his attention was brought back to Tess,when she jogged up a driveway. He knew it was Levi''s. Tess would always go to his house to relieve any problems that weighed down on her. He landed beside herwhile she rang the doorbell. The stomping of footsteps could be heard outside before a surprised Levi opened the door.


    "Hey." Tess said, trying to sound cheerful. Levi was noteasily fooled.


    "Was it your father again?" He asked, opening the door wider so she could step in. Silas teleported himself to the other side of the doorway, standing unseen in the hallway. Tess walked through the door.


    "You know my family too well." She said with afaint smile. Levi closed the door.


    "Let''s head upstairs." He suggested and began walking up the stairway. Tess followed behind him quietly. Silas followed both of them, looking around at the decor of the house. He had been in the house many times, but the vibrant pictures and fancy lights had always fascinated him. Levi''s mom was an artist and it showed in every aspect of their home. Silas walked into Levi''s room right before Levi closed the door. Tess flopped down in a black beanbag. Her hand rubbed her temple.


    "I swear my parents are trying to drive me to suicide." She complained. Levi eased himself into a green beanbag similar to hers. Silas looked around the room and decided to sit on the pitch black plush carpet.


    "Both or just your father?" Levi asked Tess.


    "I don''t know any more really, mom took his side this morning." Tess said, looking at Levi. He gestured for her to continue.


    "Dad freaking like pmsed over me taking off my necklace again." She fingered the sliver cross. "It''s likea shrine to him or something." Levi looked at the necklace.


    "You know you''re eighteen now, you could just tell him no." Levi suggested simply. Silas frowned. He didn''t think that was the greatest idea.


    "I could, but I don''t know...It just feels like the one thing that connects us, you know?" Tess said thoughtfully.


    "Umm no, not really." Levi chuckled. "It seems to me like it''s something else he tries to control in your life." Levi said, his demeanor a little darker. Tess sighed and looked at Levi. Silas could see the anger embedded deep within his gaze.


    This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.??"Levi, please don''t do something you''ll regret." Tess said. Levi stood up and paced, running his fingers through his hair. He looked down at Tess.


    "Tess, you''re my closet friend and you know I''d do anything for you right?" Levi asked, slouching back down in the beanbag.


    "Yes..." Tess answered, eyeing him suspiciously.


    "Just remember that." Levi said, his gaze held Tess''s for a long moment before she looked away. Silas watched her begin chewing on her lip and he knew she was trying to find something else to talk about. She looked around Levi''s room.


    "I still can''t believe your mom painted your room like this." She commented with a small laugh. Silas was surprised too, the style was...unique to say the least. The walls were painted in a lime green, leading down to the black carpet. Levi''s bed had a green comforter with black pillows. Any pieces of furniture in the room were mixtures of green and black, giving the room an odd doomed feeling. Levi laughed.


    "Well you know my mom. Always ''experimenting.''" He said.


    "Too bad she didn''t try those colors on you." Tess teased with a smile.


    "Oh, she tried." Levi grinned. "I hid in the basement for hours." His face took on a traumatized look.


    "Worst experience of my life. It will scar me forever." Tess laughed.


    "Oh, poor Levi." She continued laughing. Levi laughed with her too, lifting everyones spirit. Silas shook his head, chuckling to himself. He saw Tess glance at her watch.


    "Well thanks for the cheer up Levi, but I have to head back home." Tess said. Silas saw the unhappiness in her expression at having to leave. Levi helped her off the beanbag, lightly hugging her.


    "Keep your head up Tessie, okay?" Tess hugged him back.


    "I''ll try Levi." She said. Silas smiled at the gesture. Tess was always oblivious to the the softness in Levi''s gaze or the kind way he talked to her. The boy had liked her for years and she did not know how to "take a hint" as the humans said. Levi opened the bedroom door for Tess, bowing with a cheeky smile. Tess just shook her head, exiting the room and walking down the stairs. Silas was ahead of her, waiting outside the front door. She opened it and walked out.Tess turned and waved to Levi, who smiled and waved back. Silas waved goofily, knowing Levi wouldn''t see him. Tess began jogging back toward her house slowly and steadily, not as urgent to run as earlier. Silas watched her closely, but did some flying tricks alongside of her to keep his mind occupied. He would dive up and down and do different variations on flips. Silas slowed his flying to a stop when he noticed Tess slowing down. She stopped on the side of the road, looking down at her necklace. Silas watched in horror as she yanked it off her neck and threw it into some bushes. Silas felt a strange sickening ping in his stomachwhen the necklace landed in the bushes. He looked at Tess, who took a deep breath and then continued running without a second thought. Silas let her run ahead a little waysbefore landing on the asphalt of the road. He walked over to the bushes. Slowly and gingerly he picked up the necklace, looking at it with confused golden eyes. Silas stuck the necklace in the pocket of his jeans and took off after Tess. Silas kept his eye on Tess, but his thoughts were scattered. He took the necklace out of his pocket and twirled the cross in his fingers.


    Why do I have a bad feeling about this?

 Chapter Five

    Tess walked through the front door of her house. She cautiously looked around for her father, but there was no indication anyone was home.


    "Hello?" Tess called. Caspian, their Siamese cat came over by the door with a loud meow, rubbing up against her legs.


    "Not you, fluffy." Tess said, but picked the cat up, rubbing his head. She carried him into the living room ,noticing a note on the fireplace.


    "Hey Tessie, went on a grocery run, be back soon!" Tess stroked Caspian.


    "Looks like it''s you and me for a while kitty." She said. Caspian gave a loud purr in response. To be honest, Tess was partly relieved it was just her at home. There was no doubt her parents would want to talk about the days earlier altercation and she wanted to avoid that for as long as possible. Tess walked into the kitchen, passing by a giant book on the table. She paused and turned around, looking at it. Tess put Caspian down and he let out a protestant hiss.


    "Oh, shut up." She said, side glancing at the cat. Tess sat down at the table. Something was wrong with the book. Tess had always seen the book lying around, but when she opened it,all she would find were countless blank pages. Some nights she would sneak downstairs and find her parents staring at the book intently, their eyes scanning the pages as if words would appear in front of them. Tess grabbed the book and blinked.


    This book never had a title. She thought, confused. She looked closer at the golden writing.


    "The Seer''s Secrets." The title read.


    "That''s a stupid name." Tess remarked to herself. She opened up the book and its binding creaked from old age. Tess almost dropped the book on the floor. There, on the pages, was some type of Latin writing. Her head clouded in confusion,and she closed the book again. Opening it once more, she found the words still there.


    "Weird." She said quietly. She looked at the Latin words, thinking that she wouldn''t be able to understand a single thing they said. Latin wasn''t a foreign language she had taken in school, it seemed to outdated.


    "Christ will drive out the demon inside." She read aloud and then jumped back, her chair made a loud screech against the tile flooring. Tess looked around the room uncertainly.


    Oh my gosh, it''s finally happening. I''m crazy. She thought, shaking her head. I just read Latin as if it were English!Tess grabbed the book and for an unknown reason she sprinted to her room as fast as her legs could carry her. She slammed the door behind her, leaning against it. After a moment, she walked over to her bed, laying the book down on it softly. She sat down on the bed cross legged and opened the book again. Her eyes scanned the pages with interest. There were drawing of crosses and people shriveling to the ground in front of them. She read the line beside it.


    "The only hope of extinguishing the evil in our world is the Seers." Tess paused.


    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.??What the heck are Seers? She looked at another picture of a woman who was shouting something at what looked to be like a very ill human. The human was cowering, a black mist hovering above him.


    Crash! Tess jumped and slammed the book shut, scrambling to throw it under her bed. Her bedroom door flew open just as she got it under.


    "Hey Tessie, I''m back." Herfather said and then looked at her suspiciously.


    "You lose something?" Tess looked at her father, realizing how goofy she must have looked, hanging off the side of the bed.


    "Umm no I was just...stretching! Yeah, just stretching." Tess said and leaned over the side of her bed more, trying to make the lie believable. Her dad still looked suspicious.


    "Well ,you have fun with that, but you mom went over to help Ms. Norman with her flower bed so you''re on your own for dinner."


    "Okay." Tess said, her sides were hurting from leaning sideways.


    "Okay..." Her dad said and closed the door slowly. Tess let out a breath and tumbled off the side of her bed onto the floor. She looked at the book from the floor.Grabbingit, she sat up andleaned against her bed.


    ~~~~~~~~


    Tess read the book for what seemed likean eternitybefore she decided she needed to get something to eat. She closed the book, shielding it underneath the bed again. Walking down the hallway, Tess heard whispering in the kitchen. She almost walked in, thinking maybe her mom had come back early and was talking with her father. Tess froze, hearing a man''s voice she did notrecognize.


    "Christian, we had a deal." The man said, his tone impatient.


    "I''m sure she didn''t mean to find the book, I could burn it." Tess''s dad answered. Tess''s eyes narrowed and she pictured the book hidden under her bed.


    So there is something wrong with the book... Tess waited.


    "And she didn''t mean to toss away her necklace? I saw her myself. She threw it away without a second thought." The man growled. Tess heard her father groan.


    "Please, she''s just being a beligerent teenager, those things happen in the human world if you didn''t know."


    "Tess is aSeer, Christian, and she is a danger to everyone."


    "You mean a danger to you." Tess''s dad answered harshly. There was the sound of breaking glass on the table.


    "We had a deal Christian! Tess wears the necklace and your family will not be bothered. She has broken your deal and there will be punishment." The man growled.


    "There'' no need, she''ll listen tome, just giveher some time."Tess looked around the door-frame, her whole body shook from fear.


    "I''m tired of your excuses, Christian. A deal was broken and Tess will die as punishment." The man growled. Tess gasped and her hands flew to her mouth.

 Chapter Six

    It was too late; the man whirled in one quick motion. His eyes were as black as the night and a dark aura radiated from him. He lunged for Tess and she scrambled back, screaming.


    "Don''t touch her!" Tess''s father yelled, jumping on the man with an unsheathed pocketknife.


    "Tess, run!" Her father screamed. Tess tried to turn, but slipped and fell. Shescrambled off the floor, quickly throwing open the front door when she reached it. There was a loud scream of pain and Tess turned to see the man running straight for her. Tess took off down the porch steps, willing her legs to power her forward. She could hear the sound of loud footsteps behind her.


    Don''t look! Her conscious screamed. She could feel his breath running down her neck as he began to bore down on her. Blindly running, Tess looked around for anywhere to go. Suddenly the footsteps halted and then they sounded as if they were retreating. Tess risked a glance, but slammed to a halt. Her body hit human flesh and hands wrapped around her arms, holding her in place.


    "Let go of me!" Tess screamed.


    "Calm down." A voice said steadily.


    "I said, let go!" Tess yelled loudly, pounding her fists against the stranger''s chest.


    "Calm down." The voice repeated. Tess looked up at the person holding her. His golden eyes held a calm assertiveness to them. Tess let out a long breath and collapsed against this mysterious man, sobbing hard.


    "Help me."


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~


    Silas looked down at Tess. She sobbed loudly into his chest, gripping him tightly.


    "What''s going on?" Silas asked. He had seen the man chasing her, but he couldn''t give any indication that he had been watching her. He had switched to human form, knowing that the man, who was actually a demon, would retreat from his presence. Demons knew an angel when they saw one, even when the angels were in human form. Silas noticed the man had wheeled around, heading straight for Tess''s house and potentialy, her father.


    "A man," Tess choked between sobs, "he wants to kill me." She gasped; Silas could see she was trying to compose herself.


    "Stay here." Silas told her as she retreated fromhis protectiveembrace. Tess gulped.


    "O-okay." She sniffed. He noticed her state of shock made her thinking subdued. Silas turned and ran toward her house, making his speed just fast enough to look like a human. He made his sword visible as his feet touched Tess''s porch. He drew out the celestial bronze sword, it gleamed in the glowing light of the sunset. Silas crept along the hallway towards the kitchen. The sound of fighting was apparent, even from the doorstep where he had been. He listened as Tess''s father struggled against the demon. It sounded like Christian was losing.Silas knew he needed to reveal himself, but it would risk his identity to Tess''s father. He decided the effects of the latter would be minimal and ran into the kitchen. Tess''s father was on the floor, struggling against the demon that held a dagger to his throat. Silas grabbed the man and threw him off Tess''s dad. The demon hissed, recoiling from his touch. Silas placed himself in front of Tess''sfaqther protectively.Christian lookedin confusionfrom the demon to Silas.


    "You''re interfering where you shouldn''t be boy." The demon within the man talked. His voice was a low growl and his eyes were as deathly black as his soul. Silas adjusted the sword in his grip.


    "Leave this man and his family alone." Silas commanded. The man grinned.


    "He broke his agreement angel, which makes him punishable by me." The demon looked at Tess''s dad with a sly grin. Silas knew he was right, but if he could get the demon angry enough to attack him, then he could easily claim self defense. Demon''s weren''t that hard to anger.


    "And could that agreement have possibly be made under threat of death? Because it seems that''s how your kind like to work." Silas retorted back. That was all it took. The demon growled at him and lunged. Silas thrust his sword into the man''s chest, a shining light reflecting out of the wound. The demon shrunk down onto the floor with a wretched howl. Silas drew his sword out of the man''s body and held it at ready. The demon growled and gasped.


    "Tess will pay dearly, with someone close to her." He hissed.


    If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.??"What did you say?!" Silas demanded, putting the sword to the man''s throat, but it was too late for the demon to answer, the man fell lifelessly to the floor. Silas glared at the dead body, willing it to give him answers. He heard scrabbling on the floor and turned to see Tess''sfather cowering against the fridge. His face was pale.


    "Who are you?" He croaked. Silas sheathed his sword and looked at Tess''s dad.


    "I''m your daughter''s angel."


    "Her what?" Tess''s dad asked.


    "Here, maybe this will help." Silas said. He brought his fingers to the tip of Christian''s forehead and made a downward motion. Tess''s father instantly collapsed into his arms in a coma-like stage. Silas laid him on the floor gently and began making weaving motions with his hands. Silas whispered ancient Latin, changing the memories inside the man''s head. He finished by touching his fingers back to Christian''s forehead. Christian''s eyes flashed open.


    "What''s going on? Who are you?!" He demanded, standing up. Silas pretended to be confused.


    "Sir, I saw this man attacking you." He pointed to the dead demon.


    "I dragged him off of you, but he fought against me and unfortunately I had to kill him." Silas faked a shudder and looked at the body. The stab wound in the man''s chest looked like it had been a knife tothe human eye, but to an angel, they could see the giant gash made by the celestial weapon.


    "You must have passed out or something." Silas finished. Tess''s dad gave a slightly confused look. Silas had left the memory of it being a person who had attacked Tess''s father, but he had taken any memories that revealed he was an angel and removed them.


    "Umm yes," Tess''s dad said glancing at the dead body, "thank you." He said gruffly.


    "I saw your daughter running down the street and I told her to stay put while I came to help. Would you like me to go get her?" Silas asked. Honestly he was worried about how Tess was doing.


    "Please do." Tess''s dad said as he bent down to examine the dead man''s body, mumbling something. Silas nodded and walked out the door. After Tess''s dad couldn''t see him, Silas took off down the street, anxious to find Tess.


    He found her curled up on the sidewalk, her legs pulled up to her chest, staring into the distance.


    "Hey." Silas said, quickly walking over to her. Tess jumped slightly at the sound of his voice. She looked up at him and stood up.


    "Is he gone?" She asked, anxiety was written all over her face.


    "Yes, but you should probably head home. Your father seemed worried." Silas said. For a secondanxiety turned into amusement on Tess''s face. Apparently her intial shock was wearing off.


    "Yeah right, my father, worried? That will be the day."


    "Maybe you shouldn''t be so hard on him." Silas suggested. Tess''s eyes narrowed and Silas groaned inwardly.


    "Just because you helped my family tonight doesn''t mean your opinion on my father counts. You don''t know me or my family." Tess spun swiftly on her heels and began marching toward her house. Silas sighed and turned himself invisible, following after her. Tess entered the house and walked to the kitchen slowly. Silas could see she had her arms wrapped around her midsection in an awful attempt to comfort herself.


    "Dad?" She asked, peeking into the kitchen. Tess''s dad sat at the table and patted a chair beside him.


    "Tess, we need to talk for a bit." He said. Silas looked around the kitchen. The man''s body was nowhere to be found. That seemed off to him.


    "Dad, why are you being weird?" Tess asked, easing herself into the seat beside him. Silas noticed she sat on the far edge, keeping her distance. Tess''s dad lookedher in the eyes.


    "Tess, the man who broke into our house tonight wasn''t just an ordinary human...He was a demon." Silas could see Tess''s facial expressions changing into an odd anger.


    "Dad you and I both know-"Tess tried to say, but her dad held up a hand.


    "Let me finish." He said. Silas detected a hint of pleading in his voice. Tess swallowed down her questions and nodded.


    "He was here because I made a bad choice to try to protect you." Tess stood up from her seat.


    "Dad, you''re not making any sense." She said. Her father sighed, running a hand through his hair.


    "You see Tess; he was here because...you''re a Seer."

 Chapter Seven

    Tess shouldered her backpack as she walked down the Wolverine High School''s hallway. She headed for her locker, getting impatient at the slow hallway shuffle that everyone seemed to be doing.


    "Excuse me" and "Pardon me" were words repeated oftenwhile she tried to weave through the crowd of people. As she made her way to her locker, her mind whirled with worried and anxious thoughts. It had been two days since her father had told her that she was a Seer and what it meant to be one. He told her that she could read Latin as well as she read English. He also told her about the deal he had made with the demon. Tess had been appalled with her father''s explanation of the deal. Apparently,Tess''s cherished necklace actually had a spell on it that made her unable to recognize her powers.Christian had said it was for her own good, but Tess found his deed unforgivable. She jumpedwhen someone bumped into her.


    "Watch it!" She hissed uncharacteristically. Tess had been on edge all morning. Along with reading Latin something else had come along with being a Seer. Tess''s father said that demons would be naturally attracted to her, and not because of her looks. Her father said demons felt threatened by her, but he didn''t know why. Tess couldn''t help but feel he was lying about the ''why'' part.Christian told her she needed to always keep a close eye on the people around her. The telltale sign for her to watch out for was anyone with completely black eyes.


    That shouldn''t be too hard...people don''t normally have all black eyes. Tess thoughtwhen she finally stopped at her locker. She opened it and grabbed a couple of booksthat wereneeded for biology class.


    "Hey Tessie!" She heard her name called and saw Levi squirming around people to get to her.


    "Hey Levi." Tess answeredwhen he finally reached her locker. Levi smiled.


    "How are you doing?" He asked, leaning against the lockers.


    "Alright, I guess." Tess said with a shrug and closed her locker. She copied Levi''s pose, leaning against her locker.


    "Alright?" Levi said, his smiling fading a little.


    "What?" Tess asked, wondering what was bothering him.


    "Tess, I heard about themaniac that broke into your house over the weekend." Levi''s voice held concern.


    "Oh that." Tess sighed. Some people in the neighborhood had heard the banging around in the kitchen and her dad told them someone broke in. Of course, the town was full of gossips and the story became quickly confused and mangled.


    "Yeah, that was pretty creepy, but it was no big deal." Tess said nonchalantly, wanting to change the subject, all it made her think of was this whole Seer situation.


    "No big deal? Tess, someone broke into your house, and he''s still on the loose." Levi said, slightly exasperated. Tess looked him in the eyes, not saying anything. Levi leaned off the locker and stood close to her, his hand touched her arm.


    "Tess, I want to make sure you''re okay." He said gently. Tess removed his hand from her arm, rubbing her thumb across his knuckle.


    "I''m fine, Levi." She said, keeping her tone even. Something in Levi''s eyes said he didn''t believe her, but he nodded.


    "Good." He said. They stood there a moment, silence between them. The class bell rang and they both turned their heads to look at it.


    "Science partners if we get a project?" Levi asked, turning back to face her.


    "Of course." Tess smiled and Levi smiled back. They began walking toward class, making sure they weren''t late on the first day back. Tess set down beside a couple of her friends at the one of the long tables. She got out her books and organized them carefully. Their teacher, Mr. Falls, came into class, well more like strode or pranced.His yellow shirt and green tie matched his black dress pants. Tess was surprised, as Mr. Falls normally wore outrageous colored clothing that did not match at all. One of the boys in the back said something about his choice of dress.


    "Did dress code go to normal?" The boy chuckled. Mr. Falls looked at him.


    "No, it did not, but I decided to dress like this for the first day back from break." He said simply. Tess didn''t take time to ponder his statement, insteadshe opened her science book, trying to remember where they left off before the break.


    "Before we get started." Mr. Falls began. Tess looked up from her book, confused.


    "We have a new student who has enrolled and will be in the same biology class as all of you." Tess wondered who it was, since this was advanced biology, most people didn''t just join the class.Mr. Falls gestured for the student to come inside and he came through the door apprehensiveness written on his face. Tess''s eyes grew wide and she immediately recognized the brown hair and golden eyes. The student seemed to recognize her toowhen his gaze fleeted over to hers for only a moment.


    "This is Silas Grey everyone," Mr. Falls said, introducing him. Silas gave a small smile as everyone said hello. Tess heard some girls catch their breath.She rolled her eyes, of course every girl was going to drool over him. He was definitely hot and his pinpoint smile didn''t help. The teacher gestured for Silas to sit down in an empty chair at one of tables. Silas sat down and looked at Mr. Falls like a perfect student.


    "Now everyone, since it is the first day back from your break I have decided to take it upon myself to give you a project." Mr. Falls said. Tess groaned along with the rest of the class, she hated doing projects. She shot Levi a look and he laughed, seeing her protest. Tess stuck out a fake pouting lip.Mr. Fall''s eyes flashed in annoyance, silently telling them to be quiet.


    "You will be creating four ecosystems, infour jars, and will monitor bacteria growth for about a week. I want a record on what elements in the ecosystems made the bacteria bigger, what made them more populated, what killed them; you know the drill. I want to know what kinds of bacteria your ecosystems produce. You will be allowed to add and take away things from your ecosystems, but what you do must be recorded and have the results of the change. Does everyone understand so far?" Tess nodded along with all the other students.


    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.??"You guys will be working in pairs for this project also. So I will start with Silas and go around the room. The people that pick you are the people you''re stuck with." Levi looked over at Tess and winked, Tess returned the gesture without hesitation. Mr. Falls walked over to Silas.


    "Since you don''t know anyones name yet, just point at who you want to be your partner." Mr. Falls said to Silas. Silas began looking around the room, his golden eyes taking in everyone. His gaze lingered when he got to Tess and she began sinking down in her chair.


    Oh great! Please don''t pick me...please no. She begged inwardly. Tess looked down at the table to keep herself from looking Silas in the eyes.


    "Tess! Looks like your Silas''s partner! You two come over to one side of the room while the others pick." Tess had to keep herself from banging her head onthe textbook in front of her. This is not what she had wanted and when she reached the other side of the room, she could see Levi wasn''t happy either. Tess looked at Silas, trying to keep her emotions from showing.


    "I''m Tess." She said, holding her hand out. Even ifshe was annoyed, the least she coulddo was be cordial towards him.


    "Silas." Silas said in a friendly voice, flashing his perfect smile. Tesswondered if had expected her to swoon or something.


    "We met-"He began, but Tess cut him off.


    "I know." She said quickly. She had not forgotten the comment he made about her father. Thankfully, Silas didn''t make any attempts of conversation after that. When Levi was paired with someone, he came to the other side of the room, immediatelywalking overtowards Tess. He eyed Silas up and down.


    "You any good at science?" He asked Silas.


    "Apparently," Silas answered, "or I wouldn''t be in this class." Levi looked at Tess. She shrugged in response. After everyone was paired up, Mr. Falls hadthem copy down the requirements for the project. The bell soon rang for the end of class and everyone quickly shuffled out of the room to their lockers. Levi was at Tess''sin seconds.


    "Why did he have to pick you?" Levi asked, frustration flashing though his gaze.


    "Okay, so you know how our house was broken into?"


    "Yeah," Levi answered, looking at her like she was dumb, "we just talked about it this morning," He commented.


    "Yes, well anyways, Silas helped chase the burglar out of the kitchen." Tess said. She wished she could tell Levi the truth but there wasn''t a chance that would happen.


    "But I had no clue he enrolled in school here." Levi frowned.


    "So what? Does he think he''s all hero now or something?" He asked.


    "I don''t know, but after he chased the man out of the house he said I shouldn''t be so hard on my father." Tess said lowly.


    "Whoa, wait a second. He doesn''t even know your dad much less, your own family." Levi said.


    "EXACTLY." Tess said punctually. Levi shook his head.


    "Speak of the devil." He looked up, seeingSilas walking toward them. Silas glanced at Levi, but looked at Tess.


    "Hey," He said lightly.


    "What do you want?" Tess asked, she immediately regretted how harsh her words sounded. Silas looked at little hurt by the bite inthem.


    "Umm, when do you want to start working on this project?" Silas asked.


    "As soon as possible." Tess answered him. A tall girl named Casey ran into Silas suddenly. It obviously wasn''t an accident. Tess knew Casey, and Casey loved attention.


    "I''m sorry." She apologized, blinking her brown eyes. Silas smiled, completely oblivious.


    "It''s okay." Casey giggled and Silas looked a little confused on what to say next.


    "Swing by my house after five, okay?" Tess replied, rolling her eyes and opening her locker. Casey gave a sigh and walked away, disappointed in Silas''s lack of attention.


    "Okay." Silas smiled.


    "I trust you still remember where it is, right?" Tess said, as she grabbed some books out of the locker.


    "Yes." Silas answered with a small laugh. Tess smiled.


    Maybe this won''t be so bad after all. She thought.


    "Well if you two are done flirting, Tess and I have a history class to get to." Levi said, looking at the two of them.


    "Are you jealous?" Tess said, raising an eyebrow witha teasing tone in her voice.


    "Maybe." Levi smirked. He poked her in the ribs and she jumped back, almost knocking Silas over.


    "Sorry." She apologized with a small giggle at her clumsiness.


    "Its fine." Silas smiled again, his teeth were whiter than Tess could imagine. Levi looked between them uncomfortably.


    "Come on Tessie, we''re going to be late." He said, grabbing her by the elbow. Tess laughed and Levi interlocked his arm with hers. A small sign to Silas to back off. Tess didn''t see it, but Silas interpreted the meaning. He didn''t know why Levi felt threatened by him, but things seemed to be off to a rocky start between them.

 Chapter Eight

    The rest of the school day went by quickly. Tess didn''t see much of Silas after science as it seemed they were on two different class schedules, unlike Levi who was on the same class schedule as she was. Tess went out to the track for practice, which was from 3:15 to 4:45. She stretched out her legs, jogging the warm up mile. Levi caught up to her, pacing himself beside her.


    "You ready for the meet coming up in a couple of weeks?" Levi asked her.


    "Of course," Tess breathed,"who wouldn''t be?" She asked.


    "Chelsea." Levi said, nodding at the girl running ahead of them. She was jogging to fast for a warm-up, she would no doubt burn out on the trail. Tess elbowed Levi lightly.


    "Levi, that''s not nice." She said, trying to hold in a laugh, but Levi easily picked up on it.


    "See? You know I''m right." He smiled.


    "Even if you are right, we shouldn''t be mean to her." Tess managed as she concentrated on going around the last turn.


    "I guess." Levi answered. They didn''t talk again until after they finished the restofthe warm-up mile. She turned off the track, ready to run the cross-country course that led through some woods by the school. She jogged steadily, leaving Levi behind during the first quarter of the course. Tess kept her pace and breathing controlled, sheeasily passed the other runners. She smelled the air, enjoying the earthy scent of the woods. Bark and leaves crunched under her feet as she jogged uphill. She tried to keepan evenpace evenwhile she went downhill and almost fell when she tripped on a rock. It was a easy recovery though and she continued running down the path.Quickly, Tess became soaked in sweat as the mugginess of the woods set in.When Tess came around the last turn heading back towards the track, she realized that she was the first runner to come in. Tess felt a deep satisfaction at being first. She waited and soon Levi came in after a long distance runner finished a couple of minutes ahead of him.


    "First again?" Levi asked, a look of amazement of his face. He was soaked to the bone in sweat. Wiping off his forehead ,with the back of his hand he smiled.


    "I don''t know how you do it, Tess." He said lightly.


    "Superiority maybe?" Tess suggested, returning the smile. Levi shook his head with a small grin on his lips. Tess went over and checked her time.She was delighted to see she beat her last recordby five seconds. It looked like a small accomplishment, but to a runner that was a big win. Tess went back into the school, grabbing a quick shower in the girl''s locker room. She dried of her hair and braided it before grabbing her gym bag and heading for Levi''s car. Her house was on the way to Levi''s so he insisted on giving her a ride back home instead of letting her walk. His black mustang was sleek and stood out in the school parking lot. The fact that Levi''s mother allowed him to drive this car was astonishing.


    "I still can''t believe your mom trusts you with this beauty." Tess said, running her hand down the glossy roof.


    "Well, you know, she figures I''m a good driver." Levi replied, opening his door to get in. Tess snorted.


    "Oh yes, a wonderful driver. Like the times you speed through town." She said getting in the car. Levi''s face turned into a mockingupsetness.


    "Hey, if she knows about that, I''m screwed." He said, starting the engine and backing out. Tess raised an eyebrow playfully.


    "Maybe I''ll use it as black mail one day." Tess said casually.


    "Remember who''s giving you a ride." Levi said, not taking his eyes off the road.


    "Remember who could walk." Tess reminded him. Levi ignored her and continued driving. The humming of the engine was all thatcould beheard until Levi dropped Tess off at her house.


    "Good luck on your science project." Levicalled to her.


    "You too." Tess said, closing the car door.


    ~~~~~~~~~~~


    Silas arrived at Tess''s house, science book in hand. He wouldn''t even be here without Gabriel''s permission to be in human form. Silas had told Gabriel it would give Tess better protection, now that they knew Tess was a Seer. The "Seer" part seemed to be what swayed Gabriel to give his permission. Silas was to keep himself unknown as an angel, but keep a very sharp eye on Tess. He knocked and there was an, "I''ll get it," before Tess swung the door open. She looked at Silas and then down at her watch.


    "5:01." She said, raising an eyebrow in question.


    "You said after five." Silas responded with a small shrug.


    "I didn''t say you had to be precise." Tess said, opening the door wider to let him inside.


    "But I am." Silas answered, stepping in. He found it really hard to fake that he had never been to this house before, he looked around pretending to take it all in.


    "Nice place." He said to Tess.


    "It''s alright, I guess." She answered with a shrug. She walked into the kitchen, leading Silas silently. Silas saw her dad doing work ona laptop.


    Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.??"Hey dad, this is Silas, my lab partner for a couple of weeks." Tess gestured to Silas.


    "Where''s Levi?" Her father asked without looking up. Silas immediately picked up Tess''s irritation.


    "Silas picked me before Levi could." She said and Silas was sure she might have shot him a crude look. Silas inwardly cringed; this girl really didn''t seem to like him. Tess''s father looked up from the laptop and confusion crossed his features.


    "Isn''t this-"He began.


    "Yes, he is and we''ve got a big science project to do so if you''ll excuse us." Tess said. Silas could tell she was not in the mood to discuss the recent demon adventure.


    "We can go in my room." She said, exiting the kitchen. It was obvious that her dad didn''t plan on leaving it.Silas halted, making Tess looked at him funny.


    "What?"


    "Isn''t that a little...inappropriate?" He asked. Angels had the highest of standards and he didn''t like this idea. Tess laughed.


    "It will be fine." She said and continued to her room. He heard her mumble something about living in the seventeenth century under her breath. He followed her into the room, immediately recognizing the smell of lavender.


    "Smells nice." He commented.


    "Lavender," Tess said, setting down her books on her dresser, "I find it-"


    "Comforting?" Silas said accidentally. Tess gave him a questioning look.


    "Yes." She smiled. Silas felt a little edgy when Tess closed the door. He saw her pick up on it.


    "Come on Silas, lighten up." Tess sat down in a chair. Silas sat down in one beside her, getting out his science books.


    "Any ideas?" He asked, flipping a notebook open. Tess chewed on the end of a pencil. Silas noticed that she had a habit of doing that.


    "I once saw this experiment where a scientist took four cups of water, boiled them, and then stuck various food sources in them to see what bacteria it created and how they thrived." Tess said.


    "Sounds like a good idea, do you remember what food sources he used?" Silas asked, scribbling down the experiment.


    "Egg, grass, rice, and he left one without a food source to compare to the others." Tess said, remembering everything. Silas continued to scribble everything down as she spoke.


    "Alright, looks good." He said,glancing over the paper. Tess nodded and twirled around in her chair so she could open the door.


    "Looks like we have water to boil." She laughed and walked out. Silas quickly jumped up and followed her. Tess''s dad was no longer in the kitchen which seemed to put Tess more at ease. She measured out some water and put it in a kettle to boil.


    "Now the fun part, waiting." Tess slumped into a kitchen chair. Silas followed her action, sitting across from her. Silas studied her a moment and decided to go out on a limb.


    "Are you always so tense with your father?" He asked. Mistake. Tess''s gaze narrowed and she didn''t answer, looking toward the stove. An awkward silence prevailed between the two of them.


    "Listen Tess, I didn''t mean to offend you." Silas started. Tess looked back at him.


    "It''s fine, really." She waved her hand and drew in a deep breath.


    "My father and I don''t have the greatest relationship." Tess said. Silas was about to say something, but the kettle started squealing. Tess jumped out of her chair and shut off the heat, almost seeming eager to halt the conversation.


    "Can you hand me some jars from that shelf?" Tess asked, pointing to a shelf above the refrigerator. Silas nodded and opened the cabinet, grabbing four clear jars. When he turned back around, Tess already had a funnel out and was ready for the jars. Silas set them down on the counter with a clink. Putting the funnel in the first jars mouth, Tess carefully poured the hot water into the jar, doing the same for the rest. Silas saw her glance at the clock a look of surprise passing on her face.


    "I didn''t realize how late it was." She said. Silas didn''t think much time had passed, but then again, Tess had track pratice today as well, she was probably tired.


    "Looks like we will have to add the food sources tomorrow, but at least the water is sterile now." Shrugging, she set the kettle down. Silas nodded and began walking to the door. Tess followed behind him, escorting him to the door. He stopped before leaving.


    "Same time tomorrow?" He asked.


    "Precisely." Tess said with a small laugh. Silas gave a chuckle.


    "5:01, no later." Silas promised with a wave, stepping away from the door.


    "5:01." Tess repeated, closing the door. Silas was halfway down the street before he realized he''d forgotten something. He came back to Tess''s door and knocked. Tess answered the door after a few seconds, now in her pajamas.


    "What''s wrong?" She asked in confusion.


    "I forgot my books."

 Chapter Nine

    Tess groaned as the alarm clock beeped. She turned over and slammed her hand down on the snooze button. It didn''t work and she repeated the action, successfully hitting the button this time. Tess lay there a minute, not wanting to get out of bed. Finally, Tess ignored her sleepy body and managed to drag herself to the shower. She took her shower quickly, knowing she''d lost time lying in bed.Tess hurriedlypulled on a pair of jeans and a blue t-shirt. She began packing her gym bag/schoolbag with the freshly washed track shorts and a shirt. She threw in her spikes too, remembering coach saying something about running drills today. The thought of running multiple four by ones made Tess groan. Brushing out her hair, she made a quick braid that came over her shoulder. She heaved her backpack further up on her back and walked down the hallway into the kitchen. Tess opened the fridge, seeing the cheap microwavable biscuits that waited for her. She shrugged and grabbed them. After a couple of minutes they were ready and she took them out of the microwave. Sighing, Tess ate the half-tasteless biscuits. The watch on her wrist beeped, warning her she needed to get going if she was to get to class on time. Tess ran out the door quickly and fast walked toward the school, which was about ten minutes from her house. The school bus passed her and she knew some of the junior high kids were probably snickering at her for not riding it. Tess ignored the thought. She had always enjoyed the brisk morning walk to school, plus Levi normally joined her, making it more of a race. Before she could finish the thought of her and Levi racing, she heard his rapid footsteps behind her as she passed him. He had been leaning against a stop sign, waiting for her.


    "You''re going to make us both late." He commented, slowing his pace to match hers.


    "I told you, you don''t have to wait for me." Tess reminded him.


    "Sure, but I just don''t like the idea of you walking to school alone, okay?" He said, looking at her. Tess knew Levi was always concerned about her being alone, it was annoying, but comforting at times.


    "Aww, Levi it''s so sweet that you care about my well fare." Tess said in a sappy voice, leaning close to him. Levi''s face crinkled in disgust.


    "Oh shut up." He said lightly, pushing her away. Tess laughed, knowing how annoyed Levi got when she acted sappy.


    "You''d push me over a cliff the first chance you got." Levi remarked, a grin crossing his face.


    "You know it." Tess said, immediately returning his grin. As they neared the school Tess glanced at her watch.


    "Ready to sprint?" Tess asked Levi.


    "Not really, Why?" Levi asked.


    "A minute, thirty seconds until class starts." Tess said, leaping forward. One thing Mr. Falls didn''t stand for was tardy students.


    "Damn it." Levi cursed, running after Tess. Tess fought to stay ahead of Levi as his long legs gave him an advantage in sprints. Also her gym bag bumping against herhip didn''t help. They both burst through the school doors, glad the principal wasn''t aroundwhile they ran through the hallways. Levi opened the science room door and the whole classroom jolted around, staring at them. Tess cringed as the bell rang in the background.


    "Did we make it?" She asked, raising her eyes toward an annoyed looking Mr. Falls.


    "Miss Rochelle and Mr. Fletcher, I will not take kindly to you crashing into my classroom every morning." Mr. Falls said dryly.


    Oh proper names, not good. Tess thought as she sat down. Mr. Falls looked back at both of them.


    "And yes, you made it." He said, before turning to the dry erase board. Tess let out a breath of relief and she heard Levi chuckle.


    "Now I want to see what everyone had for an idea of their ecosystems, starting with Silas and Tess." Mr. Falls gestured for them to come to the front of the room.Tess looked over at Silas, who was pulling out his notebook. They both walked to the front of the room.


    "I''d rather you speak then me." Silas whispered to her. Tess took the notebook from him.


    "We decided to take four cups of water and sterilize them by boiling the water. Then we are going to put one food source in each of the environments, but thefourth one." Tess said. Mr. Falls held up a hand for her to stop for a moment, even though she already had.


    "And why will you not put a food source in the last one?" He asked. Tess knew Mr. Falls knew the answer, but wanted to use it as a teaching moment.


    "So that we have an untouched environment to compare the others to." Tess said. Mr. Falls nodded in approval. He dismissed them back to their seatswhile everyone else began explaining their experiments. Tess was half asleepwhen the bell finally rang for the next class. She stood, gathered her books, and followed everyone else.


    ~~~~~~~~~~


    Everything lulled by until lunchtime. Tess grabbed her food and looked around. She immediately noticed Silas sitting basically on his own, with everyone else not intent on inviting him to sit with them. Tess sighed and swallowed down her pride, walking over to sit across from him.


    "Is this spot taken?" Tess asked in a friendly voice. Silas looked up from his food.


    "Oh no, definitely not." He looked at all the other kids.


    "Not the friendliest bunch." He stated.


    "Eh, you get used it. If you were in some sport or other they''d be more accepting." She remembered being ignored as a freshman until she made the track team.Tesssat down, she noticed Casey had shot her a glare. Tess ignored the girl.


    If you like him so much, come over here.In fact, almost every girl thatswooned over Silas the other other day wasn''t paying an ounce of attention to him now, they wanted him to make a move. From what Tesshad already gathered about Silas, he wouldn''t catch onto the hinting.


    "So uhh, how are your classes going?" Tess asked. Why was this so awkward? Silas didn''t seem to notice her uncomfortableness.


    If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.??"Alright, for the most part." Silas said, "I hate literature though."


    "I''m there with you." Tess said, holding up a hand for a high-five. Silas looked completely confused for a moment and then high-fived her. There was a small silence, before Levi plopped down beside Tess.


    "Hello." He said, looking directly at Tess. Tess noticed Silas scowl a little bit at Levi''s excluded greeting.


    "Hey." Tess answered, trying to keep her voice friendly. For some reason Silas and Levi didn''t seem too keen on each other.


    "How goes your experiment?" Levi asked and Tess was relieved he seemed to include Silas in the question.


    "We don''t even have our food sources in yet." Tess said, frowning.


    "What about you?" She asked.


    "Well our experiment is similar to yours except that my partner and I decided to use water from a pond and put food sources in." Levi said, he looked at Silas.


    "To speed up the bacterial growth you know." Levi said to Silas. Silas gave little indication that he was listening and Tess noticed Levi seemed a little satisfied about that. She was beginning to feel antsy around the two. The rest of the meal was eaten in silence until the bell rang for class. Tess followed Levi to literature class, slightly startled when his right hand settled around her side. She thought maybe something was wrong with Levi, but he simply smiled at her and suddenly, she felt completely comfortable with the gesture.


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~


    At track practice Tess was plastered in sweat running her, who knows what number offour by one. She breathed heavily, finishing another leg. The constant back to back sprinting was leaving her breathless and her legs weren''t exactly fond of the strenuous exercise. By the time the practice was finished, Tess felt like she would barely have any strength to walk to Levi''s car. Levi must have guessed she would be tired because his car was parked right outside the gym doors. Apparently his mom dropped it off during school. Tess opened the mustang''s door and flopped down in the seat, brushing stray hairs out of her face.


    "Thank you?" Levi said, starting the car engine.


    "Thanks." Tess said, turning her head to look at him. He was just as sweaty and gross as her, and his mom would no doubt use deodorizing spray in the car when he got it home. The thought made her laugh a little.


    "What?" Levi asked ashe turned out of the school parking lot.


    "I''m just thinking of how gorgeous you and I must smell." Tess said with a smile.


    "Why, thank you. I knew gross and sweaty always suited both of us." Levi said sarcastically. Tess shook her head.


    "I hope we don''t have to do that exercise again." Tess relaxed her aching body against the leather seat.


    "Hey, by this time next year you''ll have other things to worry about." Levi reminded.


    "Oh, don''t even start me on that subject." Tess rolled her eyes involuntarily. College had been the least of Tess''s worries lately. She had no idea what she even wanted to do with her life.


    "Any clue what you''re going to do?" She asked Levi, hoping maybe he could helpsolve her dilemma.


    "I don''t know, really." Levi replied. Tess inwardly sighed, super helpful.


    "I might pursue something in the police force, maybe K-9 unit." He said, keeping his eyes on the road. Tess nodded, rememberinghow Levi always talking about becoming a police officer when they were young. She never thought he would follow through with it.


    "You''ll be good at it." Tess said in a serious tone.


    "I''ll need a side-kick you know." Levi said, a hint of a smirk on his face.


    "You mean someone to keep you out of trouble." Tess eyeballed him as they rolled into the driveway. Levi stopped the car, but kept the engine running.


    "You know it''s going to be the first time we are apart." Levi turned, looking at her. Tess felt a sweat break out on her forehead. She and Levi had never been apart for more than a few weeks at a time. They had just always been used to being able to walk to each other''s house and talk, or go on random strolls with no problem.


    "Yeah," Tess swallowed, "but we''ll be okay." She looked at Levi''s face, searching for a reaction. He normally wasn''t this serious.


    "Sorry if I wasn''t very friendly with Silas." Levi said with sigh, his grey eyes were unreadable.


    "Why don''t you like him?" Tess asked simply. Levi rubbed his forehead.


    "This might sound ridiculous, but I might be a little jealous." Levi looked down, almost as if he was embarrassed to tell Tess this. Tess looked at him.


    "Levi, you''re not making sense."


    "I''m so used to things being you and I, Tess, no one else." Levi eyes searched hers, almost desperate.


    "Levi, if you think Silas is-" Tess''s replywas abruptly cut off. Warm lips pressed against hers. Tess''s pulse quickened and her head spun with a mix of emotions. She could taste the salty sweat on Levi''s lips and she surprised herself by pressing her lips against his, as if she could wipe the saltiness away. Tess had never thoughtof Levi as more than a friend, much less, a romantic interest, but she didn''t retreat from the soft whisper of his lips. She was actually kissing him! The reaction from Levi was definitely pleasure as he leaned over the seat''s cup holders, drawing her lips into his repeatedly. The sound of her mom pulling in behind them from work brought Tess back to reality. She leaned away from Levi, the spell broken. Levi''s eyes looked back at hers and a glimmering affection she had never seen before showed in them.


    "I should be going." She managed out and opened the car door faster than she meant too. Tess didn''t look back to see Levi''s reaction. She kept herself calm until she was in the house and then, before her father could say hello, she fled down the hallway to her room. She closed the door tightly behind her and slowly slid down to the floor, her back pressed against the door. Tess stuck her head between her knees and took in a deep breath of lavender scent. Her heart felt like it would jump out of her chest.


    What just happened?

 Chapter Ten

    Silas knocked on Tess''s door at 5:01 precisely. It hadn''t taken him long to get to her house, since he had already been watching over her. All he had to do was float outside and turn visible. He smiled to himself.


    The simplicities of being an angel. Tess took a couple of seconds to come open the door.


    "5:01 already?" She asked, a smile playing on her lips.


    "Yep, on the dot, as you requested." Silas answered. Tess opened the door for him to step in and began walking to the kitchen. Silas followed her, pretending to look around her house interestingly once again.He stopped beside Tess when they were beside the four glass jars.


    "Alright, we need to get some grass, rice, and a boiled egg." She said, pointing to each jar, which she had put labels on in Silas''s absence.


    "Sounds simple enough," Silas commented, "I''ll go get the grass." He volunteered, Tess only nodding in response. Silas walked down the hallway and outside to Tess''s front porch. Afterdescending down the stairs, he bentover and tore a hand full of grass out of the ground. He turned, feeling as though he was being watched and noticed an elderly lady staring at his handful of grass. He looked down at the grass in his hand, realizing how idiotic he must look, carrying around a handful of grass.


    "Science project." He said, waving the grass a little. The old woman continued to stare at him blankly. He awkwardly turned his back to her and returned to the kitchen in the house.


    "Well, your neighbor thinks I''m a yutz." Silas told Tess, lumbering over to the counter. Tess had an egg in some water, heating it to a boil; she already had the rice in its jar.


    "Miss Blakeley? She thinks everyone''s crazy. She give you the look?" Tess asked and proceeded to stare at Silas blankly in imitation.


    "Exactly like that." Silas laughed, Tess joining him. Silas looked at her and Tess bit her lip, looking to the egg that was starting to boil. She always bit her lip when she was nervous or her mind was elsewhere. Silas could easily figure out where her mind was. She was thinking about Levi. One down side to being an angel was having to sit and watch the human you''reassigned to protect, make out. To say the least, it made Silas extremely uncomfortable, even though it had been a small guess. At least Tess couldn''t be so oblivious about it now. Silas watched Tess closely as she turned the heat up on the stove. She seemed slightly conflicted in her thoughts about Levi. Silas couldn''t place why she seemed so confused, and there was no way he could straight out ask her.


    "Do you naturally have golden eyes?" Tessasked suddenly,deciding to break the silence.


    "Yes," Silas answered, "it''s very rare apparently."


    "Well, I''ve never seen eyes like yours before." Tess said, looking up from the stove, "They are very beautiful," She said to him, absentmindfully."


    "Uhh, thanks." Silas said, slightly uncomfortable with the compliment. Tess''s face drooped a little.


    "I didn''t mean to make this awkward." Tess said. Silas held up his hands.


    "Its fine. I get told that a lot." That answer seemed to satisfy Tess.


    "Are you going to stand around all day with grass in your hand?" Tess pointed to the grass that was beginning to fall on the floor.


    "Oh, no." Silas smiled sheepishly and put the grass in the jar, making sure not to drop anymore blades on the floor.


    "Well, this egg has to boil for ten minutes, so we can go chat outside if you want." Tess said. Silas noticed she had side glanced toward the hallway, probably spotting her father or mother. Silas figured she didn''t care for her parents listening in on her conversations.


    "Okay." Silas said, figuring there would be no harm in chatting. He followed Tess back outside to her backyard. Silas sat down in an oldlawn chair underthe oaktree in Tess''s yard. Tess''s backyard was spacey with a wire fence all around it. A small underground pool sat at the edge of the yard. He felt a small pressure under his feet and looked down quickly. A cat rubbed up against his ankles.


    "That''s Caspian." Tess smiled and bent down, rubbing the cat on its back. Caspian let out a satisfied purr.


    "He''s very attention demanding." Tess told Silas. Silas petted the cat gently, not really interested in him.


    "Do you not like cats?" Tess asked, looking up at Silas.


    "I''m more of a dog person." Silas answered. He truly was, as they had a few guard dogs at the gateway of Heaven. Silas looked at Tess.


    "So uh, what do you do for fun?" He asked.


    "Oh, mostly run, read, or listen to music." She answered him.


    "That''s right. You''re on the track team aren''t you?" Silas felt dumb asking questions that he already knew the answers to. He wished that this could be simpler.


    "Yeah." Tess said.


    "You any good?" Silas asked her.


    "Any good?" Tess laughed, "I''m the best runner on the girls'' team." Silas could see the pride in her eyes at the accomplishment.


    "That''s great. I''m sure it''s not an easy task." Silas thought about how hard it would be to run at human speed. Of course, human bodies were completely different than angelic bodies.


    "Oh, definitely not. It takes years and years of training to stay in top form." Tess said. She looked at him, "You any good at running?" She asked.


    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.??"I like to think I am." Silas said to her. He could definitely out speed her any day, but only due to his angelic powers. How else would he be able to follow Tess''s family? Tess raised an eyebrow playfully.


    "You think so?" She said.


    "Is that a challenge?" Silas asked her.


    "Maybe." Tess said. She looked out over the yard. Abouta quater mileaway was a small pond.


    "How about we race down to the pond." She stood, as if she already decided they would be going.


    "What about the egg?" Silas asked, his mind going to the kitchen.


    "I got it covered." Tess answered. Her eyes were already sparkling in anticipation. She definitely didn''t care about one measly egg right now.Silas contemplated the idea for a minute. He would have force himself to be slow, which wouldn''t be fun, but maybe it would beinteresting to race against his human.


    "Okay. First one there wins." He stood up with a stretch.


    "Agreed." Tess answered and walked inside the house.


    "Hey Mom, I''m going for a run with Silas real quick, keep an eye on our egg please!" She shouted as they proceeded to go out the front door. Silas frowned, he didn''t realize that was what she meant by having it "covered".While he and Tess began stretching, Silas realized he wasn''t in ideal running clothes. He had khaki shorts which would work better than jeans, but would definitely rub against his legs. Silas shuddered slightly. That would not feel good. Tess, on the other hand, was in running shorts and would have no problem. Silas noticed the running shorts were really short and allowed her long legs to be shown off. Silas''s eyes trailed up her legs aimlessly and he almost smacked himself right in front of Tess.


    Idiot! You can''t look at her like that! Silas chastised himself harshly. He couldn''t believe he allowed his mind to wonder like that. Tess didn''t seem to notice his distress as she shook her arms out.


    "You ready?" She asked, looking at him.


    "The question is, are you ready?" Silas asked, a sly smile crossing his face. Tess narrowed her eyes, not in anger, but in focus. She took running very seriously.


    "Go!" She said quickly and took off. Silas easily ran beside her, limiting his speed. That seemed to annoy Tess right off the bat. She pressed harderwhen they were halfway to the pond. Silas was only slowed down by surprise at her determination. He quickly recovered and caught up with her in three or four strides. Tess clinched her teeth together as they both arrived at the pond in the same stride. She stopped, breathing heavily. Silas slightly panted, mostly for show, the race had been easy for him. Tess looked at him, a slight bit of amazement in her eyes.


    "Wow, you''re pretty good." She admitted.


    "I told you so." Silas said playfully to her. Tess looked at him slyly and bent down in one fast movement. Silas felt the cold pond water hit his face and he jumped back.


    "Hey!" Silas yelped and bent down, throwing water at her. Tess let out a squeal and ran away from him. Silas chased after her with a laugh. Tess looked back and let out a surprised laugh as she slipped in some mud. Silas quickly moved to her side and caught her arm, but they both still managed to fall to the ground. Somehow, Silas managed to hit the ground first and Tess landed half on top of him. She looked down at him, mud smeared on her arms.


    "Well this is a predicament." Silas huffed, looking up at her.


    "Yes, that it is." Tess said, she turned and took some mud off her arm, smearing it on his nose. Tess laughed at how goofy he looked. Silas grabbed at her sides, playfully turning her over. Tess laughed trying to push him away, but suddenly stopped. Silas froze, figuring he might have hurt her.


    "What''s wrong?" He asked, his voice was thick with concern. To his surprise, a small blush appeared on Tess''s cheeks.


    "It''s just-uh, we''re a bit close here, don''t you think?" She said, turning her eyes away from him uncomfortably. Silas immediately realized what she meant. He could feel her knee slightly pressed against his inner thigh and her hips pressed against his, unable to be ignored. Silas quickly jumped off of her.


    "I''m so sorry" He apologized, offering her a hand. Silas felt like opening his wings and flying away in embarrassment. Tess must have sensed how bad he felt.


    "Hey, don''t blame yourself, we were just having fun. No big deal." She shrugged. Silas didn''t feel any better. He heard a small ring and Tess looked down. She dug her hand into her running shorts, which somehow had pockets. She pulled out her phone and scanned the screen a second or two. Silas waited as she typed a quick response and then looked at him.


    "Levi''s having a cook-out this weekend. All the seniors are invited. He does it every year."


    "Oh." Silas said, the mention of Levi wasn''t exactly music to his ears.


    "You''ll come, right?" She asked, looking at him. Silas felt a small sweat break on his forehead. He really didn''t want to go, but he needed to be there to help protect Tess in person. If he was gone, who knows what could happen.


    "Uh sure," Silas managed out, "but I don''t know where he lives."


    "Oh um, just meet me at my housearound six and we can walk there. He doesn''t live too far away." Tess offered, to Silas''s surprise.


    "Alright," Silas agreed.


    This better be worth it...

 Chapter Eleven

    Tess sat on her porch, waiting quietly for Silas. She was happy to take him along, but she couldn''t help thinking about spending time with Levi. Through the rest of the school week there were glances between Tess and him that made her blush. Her heart fluttered every time her eyes ventured to Levi''s lips. Levi seemed to think the same thing, as his glance caught hers, making her look away. They had sharedmore then the first kiss throughout the weekwhilethey walked through thehallway holding hands. At first Tess had been unsure about the relationship, but now everything seemed to click in place. Tess had been so blind to what they had between them and was grateful for Levi''s wake up call. She secretly hoped she would get another kiss today. Tess was roused from her daydreaming as she heard Silas''s footsteps on the porch.


    "Huh?" She asked dumbly, noticing he seemed to be waiting for something.


    "I said hello." Silas laughed. Tess let out a nervous laugh in answer.


    "Sorry, was a bit distracted there." She apologized awkwardly. Something in Silas''s gaze made her want to cringe. It was as if he almost knew her thoughts, but he didn''t say anything, just watched her. Tess cleared her throat.


    "Well, let''s get going." She said, standing and stepping off the porch. Silas followed beside her. Tess still wished he would join the track team. He could be of great value, but he seemed to have no interest in it, despite how much she tried to get him interested. She studied him as she walked, noticing his golden eyes rarely ever gave away any hint of emotion. He was looking down the road, his face unreadable.


    "Do you find pleasure in staring at my face?" Silas asked, switching his gaze to her. Was he teasing or was he serious? His face gave away nothing. Tess''s steps faltered in embarrassment.


    "Um no-I mean," Tess stuttered, trying to find the right words, "It''s just that you''re very good at hiding the emotion in your eyes." Tess hoped that didn''t sound creepy. Silas looked away with a small smirk.


    "Is that a bad thing?" Silas asked, the question seeming to be genuine. Tess thought about her answer, something Silas had always managed to make her do. Whenever she talked with Silas, she felt as if everything needed to be more thought out; whereas with Levi, conversation came smoothly without much thinking.


    "Depends." Tess said finally. Silas nodded. All was silent for a momentbefore Silas glanced over at her.


    "Your emotions are easily read." He said, looking away again. Tess turned her head towards him questioningly.


    "Really?" She asked, surprised.


    "Yes, most definitely." Silas said. Tess smiled away from him, she kind of wanted to giggle. Silas always seemed to try to talk fancily. Tess didn''t say anything else as Silas didn''t make any move to continue their conversation.


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


    Tess could hear the music in Levi''s backyard before she could see his house. Panic! At the Disco''s ''This Is Gospel'' was blaring. She waved for Silas to keep following her and went through Levi''s back gate. The smell of the cooking meat and lemonade hit her senses immediately. Tess glanced at Silas, noticing that he seemed very uncomfortable already. She grabbed his hand, hoping he would take the gesture as friendly. He lookedlike he had never been to cook-out before. She led him to the drink table.


    "Want some lemonade?" Tess asked, hoping he would feel more comfortable as time went on.


    "Yeah, sure." Silas said, glancing at her briefly. Tess considered pouring a bit of beer into his drink to loosen him up, but knew better. Tess wondered who brought the beer to the party in the first place, some people were just idiots. She poured herself and Silas a drink, handing it to him. Tess hoped Silas wouldn''t stick to her side all day, knowing it would ward off Levi.


    "Well, if you''re okay on your own I''m just going to go walk around." Tess said slowly. Silas nodded tensely, seeming to understand, Tess could already see Casey making her way over to him. Tess wandered through everyone, scanning for Levi. A hand slipped around her stomach and pulled her around the side of the house. She felt her back press against the brick wall. The sweet sensation of Levi''s lips touching hers made Tess drop her lemonade.


    Small loss. Tess thought and kissed Levi back, trying to keep herself from being greedy. Levi pulled back.


    "I''ve been waiting all week for that." He said, smiling.


    "Me too." Tess admitted, her stomach fluttering. Levi leaned forward, his lips grazing across hers, tempting her for an answer. Tess heard some whistles and looked around, seeing a couple of seniors cooing at her and Levi. Levi let out a small laugh.


    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.??"Don''t you guys have something better to do?" He asked. One of the two laughed.


    "How about a turnkissing your girl there?" He said jokingly. Levi''s look made the boy stop laughing, a look of anger passing through his gaze.


    "Okay, okay, I get the message, but seriously, you two should join us in the pool." The bolder one said. Levi looked as if he really didn''t want to, but that made Tess want to push him.


    "Of course we will." She smiled. Levi gave her a "seriously?" look, but seemed to be okay with what she said. Tess quickly walked to the back door, passing by a still nervous Silas, who was trying to talk to Casey. The girl giggled, touching his arm lightly. Silas didn''t seem too flattered by her gesture.


    "You want to swim? Levi and I are." She asked. Silas jumped, not noticing her.


    "Uh, no thanks. I''m good. You do that." He said, tipping his drink at her, Casey frowned. Everytime Tess saw the girl she had to control her outside emotions. Levi strode beside Tess.


    "Why''d you bring him?" He whispered.


    "Because you invited all the seniors, and he''s my friend." Tess said firmly and went inside. She came back out in a couple of minutes in the green bikini that she had worn under her clothes. Levi was already in the pool and waved her over. Tess smirked and ran a couple of steps, launching herself in the pool. The cold water gave her goose bumps as it rushed around her. She kicked up to the surface, seeing a laughing Levi.


    "You know how to make an entrance don''t you?" He said with shake of his head.


    "Don''t I always?" Tess challenged, swimming over to him. His body was soaking wet, making his six pack seem to stand out. Tess tried to keep her mind from wanderingwhen she swam to his side.


    "How was your day?" Levi asked, looking down at her.


    "Boring and dull." She huffed, which was partly true. She had been reading some Latin spells before Silas had showed up.


    "Well, it shouldn''t be now." Levi said, smiling. Before Tess could swim away he grabbed her around the waist, dragging her around the pool. Tess laughed, trying to break away from his firm grip. Levi ducked underwater, dragging her down. She kicked away from him quickly. Levi swam after her playfully and after a while she let him catch her. She wrapped her hands around his neck and let herself relax against him.


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


    The sun began to disappear quickly and eventually, the pool was too cold to stay in. Tess wrapped herself in a towel and laid against Levi''s shoulder contentedly. Levi let out a tired sigh and let his hand rest on her leg. They sat there a minute before Tess heard footsteps. She glanced up, seeing Silas. Tess immediately felt guilty as she remembered she hadn''t done much with him at the party. In fact,she had practically thrown him to Casey.


    "You want to play corn hole?" Silas asked, his voice hopeful. Tess cringed. She didn''t want to leave the warm touch of Levi.


    "I don''t know Silas, I''m kind of tired." Tess said, hoping not to hurt his feelings. Silas''s face grew a little sad then lit up again.


    "We could play ping pong or something then." He suggested.


    "She said no." Came Levi''s firm voice. He looked Silas straight in the eyes. Silas stood more rigidly. His face blanked from all emotion.


    "She can tell me that, not you." Silas said calmly, his gaze just as sharp. If his face betrayed nothing, then his eyes were equally betraying, but Tess knew better.


    "I think I''ll just stay here." Tess said, trying to break the tension. Her heart felt crushed as Silas''s gaze fell and then it hardened. He spun on his heel angrily and walked away. Tess watched him go before she felt a small pressure on her leg.


    "He''ll be fine Tess, just let him blow off some steam." Levi looked at her.


    "Maybe I should do something with him. I mean, I brought him here and haven''t paid attention to him all day." Tess began to get up. Levi pulled her back down gently.


    "Maybe I should talk to him." He suggested.


    "I don''t think that would be a good idea." Tess replied immediately. She knew that Levi and Silas were not a good mixture, Levi might make things worse.


    "We''ll be fine. Trust me babe." Levi said and gave her a quick kiss. Her heart fluttered at him calling her babe. He stood up and walked away before Tess could protest. Tess sat, waiting anxiously. Her gut told her she needed to go find Levi and Silas, and keep them in order. Despite the dreaded feeling, she stayed in her chair. Tess jumped upwhen she heard shouting and turned to see Silas fall to the ground, Levi stood close to him, fist balled.

 Chapter Twelve

    Silas turned away from Tess and Levi angrily. All day he had stood around and watched her dote over Levi. All the while, he had to try to blend in with the crowd, which were not the most savory characters. He had just wanted to do one activity with her, as friends. When she said she was tired, he knew she was lying. She didn''t want to leave Levi, which was evident on her features. Silas couldn''t believe she would blatantly lie to him like that and it hurt him deeper than it should have. He stopped a little ways from everyone, debating on just disappearing, but the sound of someone following him made him turn. He was surprised to see Levi standing there,and immediately tensed. He noticed Levi did as well.


    "What do you want?" Silas managed out, trying to keep his tone level.


    "I can''t just talk with you?" Levi asked, but his voice was laced with sarcasm. Silas narrowed his eyes.


    "Why do you have such a problem with me?" Silas asked flatly. He didn''t like dancing around the point. Levi pretended to ponder the question.


    "Let''s see...How about you come into this town and save Tess''s family, suddenly you think you''re mister hero and can assume things about Tess''s family, and that Tess will want to hang out around you." Levi challenged, Silas rolled his eyes. Levi sounded like a child to him, a jealous child.


    "I will admit, I might have been wrong about Tess''s father, but I don''t think Tess minds hanging out with me." Silas''s voice rose a little, seeming to egg Levi on.


    "Are you kidding me? Did you not see the way she tried to gently get rid of you?" Levi scoffed. Silas cringed.


    "She wouldn''t act so impulsively if you wouldn''t have your hands all over her, all the time." He retorted back sharply.


    "Are you jealous of it? Because that''s what it looks like to me." Levi''s eyes flashed with cockiness.


    "Not jealous, but maybe she would make better decisions if she wouldn''t hang out with jackasses like you." Silas said, reaching a breaking point. He mentally apologized to Gabriel for cursing.


    "Are you saying I''m bad for her?" Levi took a threatening step toward Silas, "You don''t know anything about her." Levi growled. Silas took a step toward Levi.


    "I know more about Tess then you could ever dream of." He couldn''t help smirking.


    "I know you do, angel boy." Levi hissed and clipped Silas on the side of the head, knocking him down. Silas laid on the ground, momentarily stunned that Levi had actually punched him. He heard shouts around him and looked up at Levi, whostood threateningly above him. Silas glanced to his left as he saw Tess running toward them. The plead in her eyes was easily seen, but Silas ignored her, focusing on Levi.


    Sorry Tess. He apologized. Silas launched himself toward Levi, grabbing him around the waist and shoving him backward. Levi grunted from the impact, but fought against Silas. Silas pushed Levi away, managing a hit to Levi''s lower lip. Levi looked injured for a second, but quickly recovered. Silas watched his movements. The hit should have made Levi tumble backwards with the strength Silas was using. Something was wrong with Levi. No human could take the hits Silas delivered or could stun Silas like Levi''s punch had. Silas froze up, realizing the only thing something like this meant. Levi grinned coyly as he saw Silas''s realization. Silas lunged at Levi with renewed vigor, knowing this wasn''t a petty fight anymore. Levi was ready for him, and they began to struggle back and forth against each other. Silas pounded his fist against Levi''s lower lip again, this time busting it open. Everyone around cheered, disgusting Silas. Silas could hear Tess shouting frantically as she tried to push through everyone. His momentary distraction gave Levi time to hit him in the ribs, knocking the air out of Silas. Silas went down on his knees, gasping for air. Levi didn''t hesitate to knee Silas right in the face. Silas cowered away from Levi as warm blood oozed from his nose. It dripped in between his lips and he only hoped his nose wasn''t broken. Silas looked up at Levi, seething with anger. Levi grinned in victory and brought up a fist to finish the fight.


    "Stop!" Came Tess''s angry scream. Silas looked up and was surprised to see Tess positioned protectively in front of him. Levi seemed equally shocked.


    The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.??"Tess, this isn''t your problem." Levi said, looking around her at Silas.


    "I won''t sit here and watch you beat up Silas, just so you can build up your ego." Tess stared back at Levi.


    "I was just teaching him a lesson." Levi growled at Tess. Silas wasn''t surprised by the anger in his voice, but Tess seemed shocked.


    "We are leaving." She growled. She kneeled down beside Silas and he saw she was on the verge of tears.


    "I''m so sorry." She whispered. Silas felt his anger ebb against her, seeing the regret in her eyes.


    "Its fine, Tess." He mumbled, trying to rub the blood off his nose.


    "I brought you here today, I caused this. Please forgive me." She sobbed, hugging him. Silas hugged her back and saw pure hatred flash in Levi''s eyes. Tess helped Silas off the ground and shot Levi a witheringlook. She led him out the back gate quietly. Silas focused on stopping the blood from flowing out his nose as they walked to Tess''s house in complete silence. Lucky for them, Tess''s parents didn''t seem to be home as they walked into the kitchen. Tess got a washrag and handed it to Silas for his nose. Silas wiped what blood was left on his face off and Tess came over to him.


    "Is it broken?" Silas asked.


    "I don''t think so. Somehow, you got lucky on that hit." Tess''s voice was a hoarse whisper.


    Yeah, lucky...Silas thought, knowing if he was human, his nose would be broken. Tess seemed lost in a void as she leaned against her kitchen counter, staring blankly at the wall.


    "Earth to Tess." Silas joked, hoping to bring her out of her gloom. Tess turned to look at Silas and he could see the tears gathering in her grey eyes again.


    "Oh Tessie." Silas called her by her real name. He walked over to her and she immediately curled into his chest, letting the tears finally fall.


    "Silas, this is my fault." She cried against his shoulder. Silas rested his chin against the top of her head. He decided to let her talk.


    "I should have treated you better today and this wouldn''t have happened." She sniffed, "I should have talked to you instead of Levi. "


    "Tess, please don''t blame yourself. Levi and I were bound to have a confrontation sometime." Silas said. Tess stopped crying for a second.


    "What do you mean?" She asked.


    "Tess, don''t tell me you didn''t see the tension between he and I?" Silas looked down at her.


    "I guess it was kind of obvious, but I didn''t think it would lead to this." She gestured to the bloody rag Silas had set down on the table.


    "I wish it hadn''t either." Silas agreed sadly. He slowly began to retreat away from Tess''s embrace, but she grabbed his wrist, slowly sinking back into his arms. Silas decided she was just in need of comfort and nodded, wrapping his arms around her. Tess seemed to relax at his touch.She looked up at him.


    "What?" Silas asked. Tess bit her lip.


    "Whenever I''m with you, I just feel like everything''s going to be okay." She said. Silas immediately thought of Levi and the unknown threat he was to Tess.


    "It will be." Silas answered her.


    I promise.


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


    Silas and Tess talked for a long time into the night and she offered to let him stay at her house instead of driving home so late. Silas debated the idea and decided, human wise, it was probably a good idea. Tess brought some blankets and a pillow out to him.He was going to be sleeping on the couch.Silas accepted them and sat down on the blankets, not sure what to do.


    "Well um, I''m sure you''re tired, so I''ll let you sleep." Tess said finally. Silas nodded in agreement. Tess exited the living room, stopping at the doorway. Silas looked at her questioningly.


    "Thanks...for everything." She said quietly.

 Chapter Thirteen

    Silas woke up early and sat in Tess''s living room uncomfortably. Light streamed through the curtains, highlighting the dust floating in the air. He was surprised to see Tess come into the living room, dressed in jean shorts and a tank top.


    "I''m going to see Levi." She said flatly. Silas jumped up.


    "Tess, I don''t think that''s a good idea." Tess looked at him quizzically.


    "Why not?" She asked.


    "Because he might not be respectful to you." Silas scrounged for words. Tess froze.


    "Levi might be temperamental, but he would never hurt me." She began walking down the hallway. Silas blocked her path.


    "You didn''t think he would hurt me either, but he did." Tess had never actually said that, but Silas could sense it in her thoughts. Tess scooted around Silas, looking irritated.


    "I''m going, whether you like it or not." Determination was written across Tess''s face. Silas blocked the doorway once again.


    "Tess, trust me, this is not a good idea." Silas''s blood was rushing. Tess pointed a finger and put it against his chest.


    "Just because we may have had a close moment last night doesn''t mean that you know what''s best for me." Silas took a step back, pressing his spine against the door, in surprise mostly.


    "Please, Tess," Silas was begging her now, "Levi is dangerous." Silas managed out, in a last minute desperate attempt. Tess''s eyes narrowed to slits and her face reddened.


    "Get out of my way." She growled and yanked open the door. Silas tried to reach out to her in vain, trying to stop her. She didn''t glance back at him as she began the walk to Levi''s house. Silas immediately turned himself invisible. He knew hehad toprotect Tess against Levi at any cost. This was his job and his destiny. Silas took to the air and followed Tess at a distance, even though she couldn''t see him. He felt an odd twinge in his gut and slowed his flying. Somebody was watching him. Silas felt a dark presence sear his mind and whirled around. Suddenly, tennis shoes planted into his gut and knocked him to the ground. Silas hit the concrete in a flurry of pain, landing on his wings. He gasped for air and looked to the side, seeing the person who hit him coming close. Silas scrambled, trying to move as he caught sight of black wings.


    "Fighting will only lengthen your struggles." A dark voice said. Silas stopped fighting for only a moment.


    "No." He growled in anguish.


    "How can you defend your human now?" The demon teased with a malicious smile.


    "Stay away from her!" Silas shouted, struggling to sit up. The demon''s hand shoved him back to the ground.


    "You can''t stop me now, she completely trusts me."He growled.


    "You''re a vile creature!" Silas spat in his face. He willed his body to move, but the pain in his wings made movement intolerable.


    "You have failed and she will die."


    "No!" Silas screamed and lunged at the demon in pure rage.


    "Lights out, angel boy." Levi hissed and the black bottom of his shoe hit Silas in the face. Silas''s head snapped back painfully and the world grew dim. He could hear the flutter of Levi''s wings as he took to the air.


    "No...Tess," Silas groaned as the world blackened around him.


    ~


    Tess continued toward Levi''s house. She couldn''t help letting anger propel her steps away from her home. She couldn''t believe the way Silas had acted, especially after all they had discussed the previous night. Tess had felt guilty about what had happened between Silas and Levi, but that didn''t excuse his behavior this morning. He had seemed so desperate to keep Tess from going to Levi''s house, but Tess couldn''t figure out his reasoning behind it. It stung a little that he had tried to stop her. Tess quickened her steps, trying to forget about Silas and focus on talking to Levi. She stopped at his doorstep and timidly knocked. She smiled as Levi''s mom opened the door.


    "Hello Mrs. Fletcher, is Levi home?" She asked. Tess hoped she hadn''t walked all the way to his house for nothing.


    "Yes, he''s up in his room." Levi''s mother said. She let Tess inside.


    "If you ask me, he needs a cheer up today anyway. I have to go to town so you will be good company for him." She said to Tess. Tess nodded, looking up the stairs andnoticing Levi''s door was shut. Trotting up the steps, she carefully knocked on the door.


    "Come in." Came Levi''s muffled voice from the other side. Tess turned the doorknob slowly and peeked into his room. Levi was lying on his bed, staring at the ceiling. Tess noticed he had no shirt on and his jeans were low enough she could see his hips, making her a little uncomfortable. Levi looked up to see who had come into his room and seemed surprised to see Tess. He sat up and Tess noted the dried blood on his lip, along with a little bruise around his left eye.


    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.??"I didn''t think you would come over here today." He said, glancing at her then the floor.


    "Why?" Tess asked, pressing her back against the door until she heard it click.


    "With everything that happened yesterday and such." Levi stood up and stretched.


    "Well, that''s what I kind of came here to talk to you about." Tess said.


    "Oh." Levi plopped back down on his bed, patting the spot beside him. Tess looked at him, embarrassment flooding her cheeks.


    "Can you put on a shirt first?" She asked. Levi smirked.


    "If you insist." His voice was laced with sarcasm as he bent down and picked up a shirt off the floor. He pulled it on and Tess sighed in relief.


    One less distraction. She thought, hopefully. She walked over and sat beside Levi. He was not looking at her directly.


    "Silas can pack a nice punch." Tess said, lifting Levi''s chin and looking at his bruised eye.


    "It''s fine." Levi mumbled, brushing her hand away. Tess smiled.


    "That''s the Levi I know." Levi smiled a little.


    "I guess that fight was my fault." He admitted.


    "Oh really?" Tess said, unable to keep the sarcasm out of her voice. Levi gave her a pained look and she straightened.


    "Sorry, I didn''t mean to be rude. It''s a habit." She apologized. Levi grinned.


    "Yeah, it is." Tess punched him playfully and Levi laughed. After a few seconds their laughter died down.


    "So why did you hit him?" Tess asked. Silas had told her his side of the story, but she wanted to know Levi''s side too. Levi ran a hand down the back of his neck.


    "I guess I just lost patience. Especially with him insulting me." Tess listened more intently. Silas hadn''t mentioned him insulting Levi at all.


    "What do you mean?" She asked Levi.


    "He said that you would make better decisions if you stayed away from me and that he knew more about you then I could ever imagine. Whatever that means." Levi looked at her, his eyes searching.


    "Are you two close or something? Does he know something I don''t?" Levi asked. Tess looked at Levi shocked. Silas told her none of this.


    "Silas knows no more about me then you do, probably less." She told him firmly. She paused, thinking.


    "He told me not to come here today." Levi''s body stiffened.


    "Why would he tell you that?" He asked.


    "He said something about you being dangerous to me and that I needed to trust him." Tess recounted. Levi looked at the wall then back to her.


    "Do you think he''s jealous?" Levi asked, a small smile played at his lips.


    "I''m not sure," Tess answered and leaned forward so her head was resting on his chest. Levi rubbed her shoulders,"but if he is, he can deal with it." She said looking up at Levi. Levi opened his mouth to say something, but seemed to think better of it. He leaned down, putting a hand on her cheek and kissed her. Tess inhaled sharply at his touch and kissed him back, a little more urgently. Levi''s bodypressed against hers and she let herself fall back onto his bed. Her heartbeat was so fast, she was sure she was going to have a heart attack. Levi kissed her more passionately then he had before and Tess wrapped her arms around his neck, embracing his touch. She kissed him back with equal passion. Levi began to kiss her repeatedly, each one more urgent then the last. Electricity spread through her whole body and she could feelheat every time he touched her. She kissed him back with vigor, but she slightly slowed as she felt his fingers slid into the side of her jean shorts.


    "Levi." She managed out. All that did was manage to encourage him, he begged her body for aresponse.


    "Levi." She said more urgently. She stopped kissing him, hoping to draw his attention.


    "What?" He asked in a moment''s pause.


    "I''m not sure about this." Tess said more confidently, finding her voice.


    "What''s to be unsure about?" Levi said, his voice was lacey and his lips trailed down the side of her neck. As much as it excited her, Tess moved away from him. This felt wrong.


    "Levi, I''m serious." Tess looked at him, anger sparking in her eyes. Something in Levi''sgaze unsettled her.


    "I am too." His voice was low. He drew her toward him again, hitching one of her legs up to his side. Tess felt her heartbeat quicken out of fear and she jumped away.


    "Levi, stop it!" She shouted. Levi sat up and looked at her, his grey eyes held an ominous glow.


    "You should have listened to Silas."

 Chapter Fourteen

    Tess backed away from Levi slowly whilehe crept toward her. She turned and grabbed the doorknob, but it was locked. She shook the knob frantically.


    "Help!" She screamed. Levi''s hand flew over her mouth and his breath was disgustingly warm in her ears.


    "No one can help you any more, not even your angel." He flipped her over, pressing her body against the door. Her head snapped back, sending racking pain down her back. Tess wrenched her head away from his hand.


    "I don''t know what you''re talking about!" Tess growled. Levi kept his face inches from hers and forced her to look at him by grabbing herchin.


    "No one''s told you yet? Poor naive girl." Tess gasped, her heartbeat was so loud, she was sure someone miles away could hear it. She was scared to death.


    "You see Tess, a Seer like you comes around every oncein awhile, and it''s my job to destroy you." Levi looked at her and his eyes turned completely black. Tess let out an earth shattering scream.


    "Get away from me!" She pounded against Levi''s chest.


    "Sorry dear, but even demons must have their pleasures." The demon within Levi growled. He grabbed at Tess''s body, kissing her neck roughly.Tess fought against him, but couldn''t do anything. A demon had much more strength than her. He ran his fingers over her skin and tried to get at her chest. His fingers, that were once gentle, grabbed greedily at her body. Tess screamed again, fighting against Levi. She quickly changed her thinking, she wasn''t fighting Levi, she was fighting a demon. This wasn''t Levi. Tess tried to ward off his advances as best she could, blocking him with her arms. Tess screamed as he pushed his lips against hers furiously, demanding an answer.


    "You will give into me." The demon whispered in her ear, running his teeth down her ear and neck.


    "Never!" Tess spit in his face defiantly. The demon responded by crushing her against his bodyand his hot breath covered her skin angrily. He raised a hand to run along her neck and Tess bit him.


    "You witch!" The demon growled and slapped her across the face. Tess shrank away from his touch; hot tears began to stream down her cheeks.


    "Please stop." Tess pleaded. Hope began to shrivel inside her.


    "I will stop when I please." The demon hissed. He grabbed the back of Tess''s hair, yanking her head backward. Tess gaspedwhile she fought to breath.


    "Please..." Tess cried, her voice cracking. The demon seized her face, digging his nails in. Tess screamed in anguish as she felt blood come to her skin. Tess''s eyes closed and her lids felt heavy, something deep stirred within her, something powerful.


    "Absens abs ego immunda animus." The words slid from her tongue involuntarily, but yet she understood them. The demons fingers retreated from her face and it seemed to cower. Tess looked down at the demon, who glared at her.


    "You don''t know what you speak, girl." He growled. Tess ignored him, knowing that the best thing to do was get him away from her.


    "Absens abs ego immunda animus!" Tess shouted. The demon shrieked, trying to get away from her. His eyes flicked back to Levi''s normal greyones.


    "Tess, help me!" Levi''s plead came from deep within his body. Tess''s body shook at hearing the sound of his voice.


    "Levi!" She cried backto him. Levi''s hands began to rake at his throat and he screamed as if he was trying to escape himself. His eyes switched black as the demon took control over him again. Tess tried to back away, but she was already against the door. The demon hissed.


    "Game time is over." The demon lunged at her. Tess cringed and sunk to the floor, waiting for whatever was to come. Only, the blow didn''t come. There was a loud screech along with the sound of shattering glass. Tess looked up, opening her eyes. Silas stood planted in front of her, but it couldn''t be Silas. The figure in front of her had feathery white wings. A blue aura radiated from his skin and surrounded him. The most striking feature of this supernatural human though, was the blazing sword he held in his left hand. It was like a normal grey sword except that it was engulfed in blue flames that lapped at the air angrily. The demon stood across from the guardian angel.


    "I thought I took care of you." He hissed.


    "Apparently not." Silas answered. Silas risked a glance back at Tess and she realized it really was him. His face was set with determination.


    "Now, you will leave my human alone."


    "I''m afraid I can''t do that." The demon growled. A pair of black wings seemed to grow out of the demons back and a black darkness surrounded his skin. He unsheathed a hidden black dagger. The dagger was engulfed in scarlet flames and the site of it made Tess want to scream.


    "Then I have no choice but to rid the Earth of your scum." Silas stiffened, gripping his sword tighter. The demon laughed.


    If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.??"Foolish angel, you never did learn." He lunged forward and Silas blocked the stab with his sword. The blades made a horrible screech when they collided. Silas threw the demon back with the push of his blade, but the demon lunged back at him with inhuman speed. Tess began inching her way off the floor, hoping to get away. The demon noticed her movement and started toward her. Silas brought his blade down across the demons arm, slicing it open. Tess screamed and the demon shrieked, fluttering back with his wings. He glared at Silas and began a quick blur of assaults, Silas blocked as fast as he could but lost his balance as he lunged forward and the demon dug his blade into Silas''s calf. Silas clenched his teeth and fell on the floor. Dark red blood spilt from his wound.While Silas groaned in pain, the demon pulled his dagger out of the wound, causing Silas to scream and drop his sword. The demon grinned and brought the bloody blade up, ready to slash Silas''s throat.


    "Silas!" Tess screamed, somehow finding her voice. Silas grabbed his sword just in time to block the deadly advance of the dagger. The two blades screeched against each other, interlocked. The demon jumped backward, bringing the blades apart. He switched the blade into his palm and hit Silas in the head with the hilt. Silas fell onto the ground with a silent groan. The demon looked up at Tess.


    "Help!" Tess screamed louder than she had ever before, her throat was dry was yelling. The demon stalked toward her.


    "I will extinguish you like I have extinguished other Seers before you." The demon lunged and Tess scrambled away ashe and his bladecame toward her face. The darkness he radiated took any remaining hope away from her. Suddenly the demons advance stopped, and a horrible gurgling sound came from his throat. Blood began to pour from his mouthwhile he choked on it. Tess closed her eyes and opened her mouth in a silent scream as he coughed it onto her face. The demon looked down at his stomach where a sword stuck out of it. Silas yanked the sword back out of the demons body and he fell to the ground, lifeless. Tess looked up at Silas. He had blood dripping down his leg and a large wound on the side of his head.


    "Tess, I''m sorry." He dropped his sword onto the floor beside the demon. Tess felt dizzy as blood seemed to rush to her head and she collapsed into the angels arms from dizziness. Silas caught her with a grunt. Tess let out an exhausted and anguished cry. Her emotions crashed onto her.


    "I''m sorry." Silas apologized again. Tess wept against him bitterly.


    "Why me?" She repeated over and over.


    Tess didn''t know what the time was when she finally managed to pull herself together, but it had taken awhile.She knelt beside Levi''s cold body, putting a hand over her mouth to prevent herself from screaming.


    "Is he gone?" She asked. Silas nodded solemnly. Tess''s heart felt like it had shattered. She pulled Levi''s head in her lap, cradling it.


    "No...no...NO!" She screamed, rocking back and forth. Tess didn''t notice Silas disappear, darkness seemed to cloak her soul.


    "Levi, you can''t leave me." She looked at his lifeless grey eyes, taking his hand in hers and pressing it into her cheek.Silas reappeared and Tess scrambled away from him. He had a gun in his hand.


    "What are you doing?" She asked.


    "You should leave." Silas said, not looking at her.


    "I won''t leave until you tell me why you have that gun." Tess stayed by Levi''s body protectively. Silas looked conflicted.


    "To any human, Levi''s body looks lifeless withminor injuries." He said.


    "How come I can see the marks of your sword then?" Tess asked in a confused tone.


    "Any Seer can noticethe damage of a celestial weapon." Silas answered.


    "Okay, but why not leave his body like that? Why defile it?" Tess asked, hervoicewas beginning to quiver once again.


    "It''s too skeptical Tess, I have to fix that. You were the last one to see him. Someone might blame you for his death." Tess slowly felt the words sink in and she took a deep breath. Her friends body lay lifelessly on the floor, his dead eyes staring back at her. Tess knew she couldn''t go to jail, not for something she didn''t do. She bent down andpushed his eyelids over his eyes.


    "Do what you must." Her voice cracked with emotion. Silas''s golden eyes held sadness beyond compare.


    "I wish it didn''t have to end this way, Tess." He sighed. Tess didn''t say anything; she opened the door of Levi''s room. Once she was out of his house, she fled down the street. Her legs pumped underneath her as she ran blindly.Tess ran as far away from Levi''s house as possible, but she didn''t get far enough. The distinct pop of a gun firing in the distance rang in her ears. Tess tripped and fell, skinning her knee open. She made no attempt to get up and lay on the sidewalk. Soon she felt warm hands wrap around her and there was feeling of weightlessness as Silas picked her up. She felt the world black out and her body went limp in Silas''s arms.

 Chapter Fifteen

    Silas struggled to get Tess to her house. He couldn¡¯t fly due to the glass shards embedded in his wings from breaking through Levi¡¯s window and he couldn¡¯t walk very well, thanks to the stab wound in his right leg. Tess¡¯s limp body made it excruciating for him to walk. His heart felt heavy at how the day had ended. Levi¡¯s body was sitting in his room with a bullet through his forehead and a gun in his hand. Silas had been hoping Tess would get far enough away not to hear the gunshot, but clearly she hadn¡¯t. He glanced around, thankful the streets seemed dead; if anyone saw him and Tess, he would be in a lot of trouble. Tess¡¯s parents were both at work and Silas entered the house silently. Caspian followed him down the hallway, twirling around his legs, causing Silas to stumble.


    ¡°Stupid cat." Silas growled, kicking the feline away. Caspian arched his back and hissed before running into the living room. Silas walked into Tess¡¯s room, glad that the door was open. He laid Tess down on her bed and looked at her. The girl was out cold, probably from exhaustion. Silas searched her for any injuries. She had bruising on her wrists and arms from fighting. Bruises splotched her throat and Silas¡¯s anger flared, knowing just what that demon had in mind. Tess must have been fighting hard to have these bruises already. The injuries that worried him the most were the ten punctures in her face from the demons nails. All of them were along Tess¡¯s hairline except for two on her cheekbones, along with a bruise on the side of one cheek. Silas got up and grabbed a washrag from her bathroom, along with a small cup. He filled the cup with warm water and dipped the washrag in it. Silas put the rag to the puncture mark on her left cheekbone and tried to wash away the dried blood. Tess gripped the bed sheets and cringed. Silas retreated, taking the washrag away from the wound, wondering if she had woken up. Her pale eyelids still covered her grey eyes however. He was secretly glad she was still asleep since he hadn¡¯t figured out how to explain this whole situation to her. Silas continued to clean the wounds on her face until he sensed a presence behind him.


    ¡°I know I screwed up, so save it.¡± Silas growled, not bothering to look at Gabriel. Gabriel walked to the other side of the bed silently, waiting for Silas to acknowledge him. Silas slowly drew his eyes from Tess¡¯s face to Gabriel¡¯s.


    ¡°Yes?¡± He asked, keeping his tone level.


    ¡°You have broken law, Silas.¡± Gabriel said calmly. His calmness always got on Silas¡¯s nerves.


    ¡°Punish me how you will, but there was no way around it.¡± Silas dropped the rag into the cup.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t even try to wipe her memory.¡±


    ¡°You know as well as I do that her memory cannot simply be wiped." Silas said flatly, losing his nice tone. Gabriel gave him a warning look.


    ¡°Sorry.¡± He apologized. Gabriel fell silent as he bent down, examining Tess.


    ¡°Do you know who the demon was?¡± He asked.


    ¡°I think I have a clue to who it was, based on his intentions and how he went about deceiving Tess.¡± Silas said.


    ¡°Who do you suspect then?¡± Gabriel inquired.


    ¡°Akbar.¡± Silas spat the name out, not enjoying the taste of it on his tongue. Gabriel¡¯s stiffened.


    ¡°Akbar is very dangerous.¡± He said, touching the bruises on Tess¡¯s throat carefully.


    ¡°You have good reason to presume it was him, but do not fixate on it.¡± Gabriel straightened and looked at Silas.


    ¡°But I killed him so what does it matter?¡± Silas questioned. Gabriel¡¯s gaze immediately narrowed into slits. Apparently it did matter to the angel.


    ¡°If this was Akbar¡¯s work,it''s the beginning of something larger.¡± Gabriel frowned and paced a couple of steps.


    ¡°What of my punishment?¡± Silas asked, afraid to know the answer. Gabriel let out a gusty sigh.


    ¡°She can know, about everything. We cannot hide the truth from her forever. If we don¡¯t tell her she could find out from other means and the result could be disastrous. You can continue to watch over her, but I want you to keep a closer eye than ever before. She just might be the redemption we¡¯re looking for.¡± Silas¡¯s eyes widened. Could it possibly be true?


    ¡°Do not get your hopes up.¡± Gabriel said sharply, reading Silas¡¯s thoughts. Silas frowned, that waslike Gabriel, always kept things in perspective.


    ¡°Ineed togo, the most high must know of these events.¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t he already?¡± Silas joked. Gabriel said nothing.


    ¡°Guard your heart Silas, for it can be deceitful.¡± Silas watched as Gabriel disappeared from his site. He frowned.


    What did Gabriel mean by that? He asked himself. He was trying to figure out the coded message when Tess stirred again. Her eyelids fluttered open and closed.


    ¡°Tessie?¡± Silas whispered, hoping to bring her out of her coma-like state. Her eyes slowly came open and color returned to her pale cheeks. She turned her neck, but cringed, almost crying out in pain.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Silas asked quickly, wondering if he had missed an injury.


    ¡°Neck.¡± She rasped. Silas moved closer to her and reached toward the back of her head. Tess reacted with a retreat from his touch.


    ¡°Please, don¡¯t touch me.¡± She pleaded fearfully. Silas could see the fear glimmering in her wide eyes.


    ¡°Tess, I need to see if you¡¯re hurt.¡± Silas said as softly as possible. Tess relaxed only a little bit.


    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.??¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± She swallowed. Silas slowly reached out again, moving carefully. Tess stayed tense, but didn¡¯t attempt to move away from him. He moved his fingers down to the base of her neck, gently applying pressure. Halfway down from her scalp he felt Tess inhale sharply and he immediately withdrew.


    ¡°Does that hurt?¡± He asked, applying pressure again. Tess bit down on her lip for an answer. Silas grabbed a pillow and eased it under her neck for support.


    ¡°H-he yanked my head backward.¡± Tess said and Silas noticed she had started shaking. The shock must be setting in.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to tell me right now, just relax, okay?¡± Silas told her.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to be sore for a couple of days.¡± Tess stared at the ceiling silently. Silas got up and went into the kitchen, grabbing her a glass of water. He brought it back to Tess.


    ¡°Try to drink something.¡± Silas said to her, knowing it would help bring her out of shock. Tess accepted the glass shakily and took a few sips before handing it back to Silas. Silas set the glass on her dresser.


    ¡°You think you can eat something?¡± He asked.


    ¡°I can¡¯t stomach anything right now.¡± Tess answered, she lulled her head to the side to look at him. Silas wished she hadn¡¯t done that.


    ¡°Understandable.¡± He answered. Tess¡¯s eyes watered.


    ¡°Nothings understandable anymore.¡± She said in a low whisper. Silas felt an ache in his chest. How could he have let this happen to her? He tried to shake off the feeling.


    She wouldn¡¯t be alive right now if you had arrived any later. He reminded himself. Tess was silent for almost thirty minutes and it worried Silas.


    ¡°I want to talk about it." She said finally. Silas was shocked and looked at her.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± He asked.


    ¡°I want answers.¡± Tess said sternly and stared at Silas. Silas knew she wanted answers about him, not just answers about Levi.


    ¡°Tell me what happened before I showed up." Silas said, wanting to avoid the subject of himself as long as possible. Tess took a shaky breath.


    ¡°We were just talking about the fight and then he got aggressive suddenly and said I should¡¯ve listened to you. Then he attacked me.¡± Tess told Silas.


    ¡°You¡¯re lying.¡± Silas said flatly.


    ¡°I am not.¡± Tess tried to say convincingly.


    ¡°Something else happened Tess, don¡¯t hide it from me.¡± Silas said firmly. Tess opened her mouth to argue, but closed it.


    ¡°Fine, we were talking about the fight and he mentioned something about you saying he was bad for me.¡± Tess stopped, looking at Silas.


    ¡°I won¡¯t deny it, if that¡¯s what you¡¯re looking for.¡± Silas shrugged.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me about that.¡± Tess asked.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think it was important.¡± Silas said quickly. Tess didn¡¯t argue with him.


    ¡°Then what?¡± Silas asked. Tess seemed uncomfortable with moving on, but she did.


    ¡°I told him that you would have to deal with it and then things got a little heated.¡± Tess''s gaze drifted away from his, avoiding the question in his eyes.


    ¡°Heated?¡± Silas asked, not exactly sure what she meant.


    ¡°Physically.¡± Tess said, sounding embarrassed and uncomfortable.


    "Oh,¡± Silas said, realizing why she didn¡¯t want to say anything, "how um heated, exactly?¡± Silas coughed, clearing his throat.


    "We-he,¡± Tess corrected, but Silas caught the slip-up, "got a little touchy-feely and I told him to stop, but he wouldn¡¯t listen.¡± Tess swallowed and tears welled in her eyes.


    ¡°That¡¯s when he said I should¡¯ve listened to you. I tried to get away from him, but he had locked the door. I screamed, but he covered my mouth and slammed me against the door.¡± Silas tried to keep his anger from showing for Tess¡¯s sake, but he struggled. He noticed Tess had stopped talking.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± He asked. She nodded.


    ¡°It¡¯s just painful to remember.¡± Silas was surprised she had made it this far without breaking down. Tess paused before continuing.


    ¡°He told me that no one could save me and that it was his job to get rid of me. H-he-he began to-¡± Tess stumbled as tears started falling onto her cheeks and she inhaled quickly. Silas felt as if his heart had been ripped out. How could someone be so vile, so repulsive? He wished he could calm Tess, but when he moved toward her, she flinched.


    ¡°Tess, did he-" Silas couldn¡¯t get the words out. Tess tilted her head in defiance.


    ¡°No, he didn¡¯t.¡± She looked at Silas. Silas noticed she was thinking.


    ¡°I said something and he cowered away from me.¡± Silas straightened.


    ¡°What exactly did you say?¡± He asked.


    ¡°I won¡¯t tell you until you tell me who you are.¡± Tess¡¯s grey eyes were determined.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± She asked. Even with permission the next words felt like he was sinning.


    ¡°I am Silas, your guardian angel.¡±

 Chapter Sixteen

    Tess figured she had to be mentally disturbed. First there are demons and now angels? Yet the whole the fact that Silas just told her he was anangel didn''t seem to affect her hugely.


    "What do you mean you''re my guardian angel?" Tess''s throat felt scratchy and raw. Silas seemed to struggle for an explanation.


    "When a human is born, an existing angel is assigned to protect them. We are not allowed to reveal ourselves to our human, so we stay invisible. Most angels keep watch over their human day and night." Tess gasped, wondering what he had seen. Silas narrowed his eyes.


    "No, I haven''t seen you naked. What do you take me for?" Tess guiltily looked away.


    "I just wanted to make sure." She moved her head to look at him again and clenched her jaw as pain shot through her neck.


    "I wish you would stop doing that." Silas growled. Tess looked at Silas defiantly.


    "It won''t kill me."


    "But it makes me cringe." Silas leaned back in the chair he sat in. Tess wondered if he could feel her pain.


    "So can you feel any pain I''m in or read my thoughts?" That would explain things that she felt Silas knew, even though she hadn''t said anything.


    "I can read some of your thoughts and I can sense when you''re endanger, along with feeling some of your pain. It''s a limited ability, so no rules are broken."


    "Rules?"


    "Along with not being able to reveal ourselves to humans, angels are not allowed to slay the innocent, fall in love with a human, interfere with minor problems, interfere with the family, or indulge in human practices." Tess quirked an eyebrow.


    "You''re not allowed to fall in love with humans?"


    "It''s like humans with humans, angels with angels." Silas told her. Tess closed her eyes, finding herself worn out. She opened them back up, sensing Silas was worried about her.


    "If you are supposed to guard us day and night, how come people still die?" Silas look saddened by her question.


    "If a human had an internal issue, like cancer or another disease, we are not allowed to interfere. We also cannot keep them from dying of old age."


    "Okay, but what about people dying unnaturally?"


    "If someone dies from an accident, their angel had already sacrificed themselves at some point in the humans life to protect them. You only get one angel to protect you from death and if they die, they no longer can protect you." Tess wondered how Silas had made it this far since she wasn''t exactly the safest person. She thought back to the night they came home from the track meet. The drunk driver had seemed to swerve suddenly and miss them. Tess looked at Silas.


    "Did you save my family from that drunk driver?" She asked.


    "I saved you, yes." Silas answered. Tess wondered why he had only worked to save her.


    "Where were my parents angels?" Silas looked away.


    "Dead."


    "Oh,. Tess remembered looking at the dent in the front bumper.


    "How''d that dent get in our bumper?"


    "Your father clipped me, when I was pushing the car back to its lane."


    "We were going fifty-five miles an hour, how are you not dead?!" Tess coughed from talking so sharply.


    "Angels are sturdier and more powerful than humans." Tess quickly let the new information sink in. Silas had been with her his whole life and she didn''t even know it. It explained why she felt so safe around him and why he was constantly worried about her.


    "Now tell me what you said to the demon." Silas said suddenly. Tess jumped with fright and her whole body protested. Silas immediately looked guilty.


    "I''m sorry." He apologized. Tess gripped her blankets.


    "It''s okay; I''m just a little jumpy. I said, ''away from me unclean spirit'', but in Latin."


    "Do you know what you did?" Silas asked.


    "No, but I figured since it kept him away from me, it was good."


    "It was a Seer''s spell you cast to keep him away from you."


    "How do you know?" Tess asked him.


    "Angels are well acquainted with the way of Seers."


    "Why?"


    "Seers and angels have worked together many times to try and defeat evil. All of which have failed." Tess wanted to ask why, but she changed her mind.


    "How could Levi get possessed by a demon?" Tess choked on Levi''s name.


    "A demon can only possess a human if the human allows it. Once they are possessed there is no going back. The demon takes control of their body, trapping the person inside themselves." Tess shook her head.


    "Levi would never allow something like that." She denied the claim.


    "Tess, look deep down within you. He was willing." Tess didn''t want the truth, but she knew it was there.


    "But when I cast the spell he returned to normal and cried out for help."


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.??"Your spell weakened the demon, giving enough room for Levi to take back his body for a few seconds." Silas explained.


    "He regretted it, Silas." Tess tried to hold back her tears, but the day had been too much stress for her.


    "I believe he did." Silas tried to touch her hand for comfort, but Tess''s mind went on the defensive and she yanked it back. Silas looked hurt.


    "Tess, I''m not going to hurt you."


    "I know," Tess gulped, "I can''t bring myself to be touched by another, not right now." Silas seemed to understand.


    "Do demons have names?" She asked.


    "Yes."


    "What was the demons name that possessed Levi?"


    "We don''t know who the demon was for sure, but I have an idea of who it was." Silas stopped and Tess noticed he didn''t want to tell her.


    "Please Silas, I need to know." Tess pleaded with him. She wouldn''t be able to sleep tonight if she didn''t know the demons name. Silas gave a frustrated sigh.


    "His name is Akbar. He is a powerful and likes to play with his victims." Tess shivered, thinking of the demons rough touch against her skin.


    "He said something about me being different, what did he mean?" Silas looked confused.


    "I''m not sure yet." Tess started to drift to sleep, but remembered the injury on Silas''s forehead. There was caked blood all over the gash and Silas made no attempt to get rid of it.


    "Silas, you should take care of that injury on your forehead." Tess suggested.


    "It will be okay. There are different injuries that need taken care of."


    "Like what?"


    "Like the glass shards in my wings." Silas answered, turning to the side. Tess could see the glass shards glittering in his wings. Tess cringed, wondering how painful it was.


    "Let me help you." Tess sat up, screaming on the inside because of the aches in her body.


    "No, Tess, you need to rest." Silas turned to face her quickly. Tess frowned.


    "I won''t rest knowing that you''re in pain." Silas face contortedwith indecision and finally he nodded.


    "Fine." He turned back around and stretched out his wings. Tess gently reached out and almost shivered at how the wings felt underneath her fingertips. They were softer than anything they she had ever felt and were cool to the touch.


    "Pretty cool, huh?"


    "They''re magnificent." Tess said dreamily. She began to pluck the glass out of his left wing. It was a slightly difficult task, as some of the shards were hidden under the wings feathers. For some reason she didn''t have a problem touching his wings, but the thought of someone touching her still made her cringe. She pulled out a particularly long piece of glass and Silas tensed.


    "Did I hurt you?"


    "No," Silas fluttered his wings, "they''re just sensitive."


    "Oh." Tess answered. They sat in complete silence as Tess moved from his left wing to his right. The pile of glass on Tess''s nightstand grew steadily while she added more and more glass into it. Tess let out a tired breath when she drew the last piece of glass out.


    "There, I think that''s all of it." Silas drew his wings back toward his body as he turned around.


    "Thank you." He smiled. Tess wished she could put a smile on her face, but the day was still bleak for her. Silas tried to stand, but he winced and stumbled.


    "What''s wrong now?" Silas pulled up his pant leg and Tess gasped. She had completely forgotten about the stab wound.


    "Silas, why didn''t say anything earlier?!"


    "I was busy taking care of you, I must have forgotten about it." Tess frowned, knowing he was lying. She got out of bed, much to the protest of her body. Tess went into her bathroom and searched for some bandages and wrap. It took her a few minutes, but she finally found them and carried them back to Silas.


    "Sit on the bed and put your leg on the chair." She commanded him. Silas grinned.


    "Yes ma''am." Tess grabbed the cup of water and washrag while Silas settled himself on the bed. She held Silas''s injured leg and turned it to the side so she could work on the injury. As soon as she touched the gash with the washrag, Silas sucked in air through his teeth.


    "Sorry!" Tess internally cringed.


    "Just hurry up and clean it, if you can." Silas gritted out through his teeth. Tess worked as quickly and as gingerly as possible, but Silas still jerked away a couple of times in pain. Tess put a large bandage on the wound and then wrapped it.


    "You really should see a doctor."


    "Another thing about angels, we heal faster than normal. How else would we be able to keep up with you?" Tess let herself smile, finding it relieving. Tess saw Silas straighten suddenly his whole body going stiff. He looked at her with worried gold eyes.


    "Your parents are home."

 Chapter Seventeen

    Silas saw fear register on Tess''s face.


    "I can''t talk to them right now!" Silas tried to think of a solution, but it didn''t come quick enough. There was a knock and then Tess''s mother''s voice.


    "Tessie, honey, your father and I need to talk to you." Silas noticed the hesitation in her voice. Tess looked at Silas in desperation and he said the first thing that came to his head.


    "Say you''re getting dressed." He whispered.


    "I''m getting dressed!" Tess shouted.


    "Alright, when you''re finished come to the kitchen." Her mother called as her footsteps retreated.


    "Now what? I can''t just go out there. I know why she wants to talk." She said solemnly. Silas knew why also.


    "I''m not ready."


    "And neither is your body." Silas gestured to her mirror and she looked in it, gasping. She touched her neck gingerly and fingered her wrists.


    "Oh my Go-"


    "Goodness," Silas corrected her. He watched Tess grab some jeans and then look around, perplexed at how to cover her neck.


    "Got any turtle necks?"


    "No, of course not. The weathers been too nice." She combed through her dresser draws, pulling out a long sleeve blue shirt.


    "This should cover my wrists." Silas walked over to her closet, grabbing a black silk scarf.


    "Will this work?" He asked.


    "It will have to." Tess answered, taking it from his hands. She looked at Silas and he felt uncomfortable.


    "What?"


    "Could you uh, turn invisible and look away or something?" She chewed her lip. Silas''s face flushed from embarrassment.


    "Of course." Silas turned invisible and focused on the unexciting wall. He emptied his mind, focusing on a chip in the paint, it almost looked like a rabbit.


    "Silas?"


    "Yes?" He turned visible again, wondering what she wanted.


    "Could you actually wait outside the window and I''ll knock on it when I''m done changing." Silas knew Tess wanted to be comfortable, but he did not want to go outside and to make matters worse, it was raining. The rain hit his invisible body and danced away, making his skin itch and it annoyed him to no end. It seemed like forever before Tess knocked on the window. Silas floated through the wall and appeared in the middle of Tess''s room. Tess stood there waiting.


    "What do you think?" She asked self-consciously.


    "It''s a little odd for summer wear, but I think it will work." The jeans hid any bruises on her legs and the shirt was long enough to cover her wrists. The scarf set everything off stylishly, but this was definitely not a summer outfit. Silas had to keep himself from staring as the whole outfit lit up her face beautifully, making it seem as though she was happy on the outside.


    "You''ll be there, right?" Tess asked him.


    "Invisible, but yes, I will be there." He reassured her, Tess sighed in relief.


    "Good." She began walking towards her door and Silas disappeared. He followed her to the kitchen and watched her inhale deeply before entering. Both her parents were sitting together with an empty chair across from them.


    "Take a seat honey." Tess''s mother said, gesturing to the chair. Her mother and father gave her questioning looks about her outfit.


    "I was cold," Tess said bluntly, "Is something wrong?" Tess''s brow furrowed in confusion. Silas was glad Tess was playing the part or this could go downhill, quick. He stood behind her chair silently.


    "Did you go over to visit Levi today?" Her mom asked.


    "Yes, why?" Tess looked at her parents, eyes glinting.


    "How was he acting?" Christian asked. Silas didn''t know what did it, but every time Tess''s father spoke he felt defensive.


    "Why does the way he was acting matter to you?" Tess began to get up.


    "Tess, please, this is important." Her mother pleaded. Tess eased back into her seat tensely. Tess looked between her parents.


    "He was acting fine, I guess." Tess mumbled.


    "So nothing out of the ordinary?" Her father asked.


    "What is this? Twenty questions?" Silas was surprised at how aggressive Tess was, but then again she hadn''t had the most normal day. Her mother and father exchanged a pained look.


    "Tess, about an hour ago Levi''s mother found him in his room, dead. He committed suicide." Tess jumped from her chair defensively.


    "You''re lying! Is this some kind of sick joke?!" Silas watched Tess glare at her parents.


    "No, Tess, it isn''t." Her father said solemnly. Tess shook her head back and forth, and Silas saw tears streaming down her cheeks.


    "He wouldn''t...He would never do this to me..." Silas knew her parents would see it as a statement about the suicide, but he knew that she meantLevi''s demon possession.


    "Honey, we''re very sorry." Her mom stood up and took a step toward her. Silas saw Tess inhale and step back. Christian almost seemed angry at her retreat as he stood up.


    The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.??"Now Tess, I know this is painful, but your mother is trying to help you." He walked toward her.


    "Please, just let me be." Tess backed up and froze as she hit the kitchen wall.


    "Tessie." Her father said quietly, still advancing toward her. Silas saw Tess struggling to keep from screaming. She looked as if she was reliving the memories. Silas growled at Christian and blocked his path. Christian walked right into him and Silas shoved him backward. Christian looked utterly confused as he fell onto the floor, looking for whatever had hit him. Silas stood firmly in his spot as he heard Tess let out a long breath.


    "Tess, you''re abusing your powers." He father said harshly. Silas felt Tess flinch behind him.


    "You wouldn''t understand!" Tess barked back at him, Silas could tell she was crying. He heard her retreating footsteps and turned, seeing her flee to her room. The door slammed and the distinct click of a lock was heard. Silas looked in the kitchen and saw Tess''s mom helping Christian off the floor.


    "I didn''t know she had grown so strong in her powers." Tess''s mother remarked. Christian dusted himself off and then scanned the room critically. Silas flinched even though the man couldn''t see him.


    "That wasn''t her powers, it was something else. I just don''t know what."


    Silas didn''t stick around to hear anymore. The fact that Tess''s father knew it was something else frightened him. He flew into Tess''s room, immediately making himself visible. Tess was on her bed with her knees pulled up to her chin and arms wrapped around her legs.


    "Tess?" Silas said quietly. She looked up at him, her grey eyes were sorrowful.


    "I had to lie to them and then when my dad started walking toward me-"She sucked in a breath.


    "I know, I know." Silas kept his distance, not wanting to frighten her anymore than she was already. Tess began to unwind her arms and legs.


    "Thank you for blocking my father Silas, I wouldn''t have been able to handle him coming that close." Silas looked down at the floor and back at Tess.


    "I said I wouldn''t let anyone hurt you." Tess looked confused, but didn''t ask any questions. She threw her legs over the side of the bed and surprised Silas by walking over to him.


    "Who knew my science partner would end up being my angel." She had stopped crying, but she looked like the world had thrown her into a tornado. Silas smiled.


    "I did. Since I am always with you, I knew you were a Seer when your father told you. Gabriel thought it would be better for me to protect you in person. It kind of wards off demons."


    "Who''s Gabriel?"


    "You know, Bible Gabriel. He''s head of all the angels in a heaven." Silas couldn''t believe she didn''t know who he was. He was one of the most famous angels, being only lower than Michael.


    "Oh yeah, my mom and dad are into that, but I''m not very religious."


    "Bet that''s changing." Silas laughed.


    "Well this craziness is making me rethink." Tess let out a small laugh, which turned into a cough. Silas watched her shoulders sag.


    "It''s time you get some sleep." Silas told her. Tess didn''t attempt to argue. She walked over to her bed and sat on it, not even bothering to change her clothes. Silas watched her closely, her sore body slowing her movements. Tess looked at him.


    "What do angels do when their humans sleep?"


    "We hover over your faces and stare at you like super creeps." Silas grinned cheekily. Tess rolled her eyes in good humor.


    "Seriously what do you do?" She asked.


    "We either leave you to sleep and go back up to Heaven to work, we stay and keep an eye on you non-creepily, or we simply go to sleep."


    "Angels don''t seem to rest that much." Tess commented.


    "We don''t need much sleep to do things." Tess quieted, and looked down.


    "Tess, I won''t leave you, trust me." He walked over to her bed and sat down in the chair that had been so helpful all day. Tess smiled gratefully; she surprised Silas again with a quick embrace.


    "Thank you." She whispered in his ear. Silas watched her settle herself under the blankets and close her eyes. Silas wasn''t sure how long it took her to fall asleep, but once she did, it was a deep sleep. Silas observed her silently. Her face was flawless, except for the gashes,and it wasno longer laced with worry, making her look completely at peace. It made Silas relax, seeing her look content. The day''s events weighed on him along with the soreness of his body. He felt the scratchy bandage rub against his pant leg, a reminder of his injury. What he told Tess about angels healing fast was true, except that demons weapons didn''t care about his powers. The stab wound from the blade would take almost a month to heal and that''s if it didn''t get infected, which wounds from demons tended to do. Silas only hoped that wouldn''t happen. Silas felt his head slowly sag lower and lower until he finally gave into sleep. He laid his arm beside Tess''s leg, finding assurance at being able to be close to her. He laid his head down on his arm, closing his eyes and letting sleep take over. The last thing he remembered was a vision of Levi''s lifeless eyes staring into his.

 Chapter Eighteen

    Tess opened her eyes slowly.Finally,theyfocused on the ceiling and she yawned, starting to stretch. The soreness in her body made the stretch more of an excruciating task. She felt a heavy weight and looked down to see Silas''s head against her leg. The sight was oddly comforting for her. She leaned forward and looked at his sleeping face. His slightly brown lashes and closedlids hid his golden eyes from her sight. His features were completely flawless and she wondered if all angels looked perfect. She brushed some of his brown hair back in place, almost giggling when he wrinkled his nose. Silas brought her more comfort then she ever thought was possible. Tess jumped when her phone rang. She picked it up quietly, wondering who would want to call her in the morning.


    "Hey Tess." Came a sad voice from the speaker.


    "Hello Mrs. Fletcher, I''m so sorry for your loss."


    "I know you are." Levi''s mom answered.


    "So, is there anything you need?"


    "Tess, you know Levi cared very deeply for you."


    "I know, and I cared for him too." Tess gulped, she didn''t need to start the day off sobbing.


    "I would like you to speak at his funeral." Tess felt like a stone sunk to the pit of her stomach.


    "Speak?" She squeaked out.


    "Yes, it''s what he would have wanted you to do." Tess long out a long breath, pressing the palm of her hand against her forehead. It all seemed too early for this.


    "I''ll do it." She huffed out.


    "Thank you, Tess. The funeral is tomorrow."


    "Tomorrow?!" Tess felt a headache coming on.


    "Yes, the gunshot wound in his head is causing his flesh to decay quicker than normal." Tess glanced at Silas''s sleeping form. The flesh was decaying because of the unseen wounds of Silas''s sword.


    "Alright, what time?" Tess asked.


    "Three o''clock. We''re having a dinner at the house afterwards." Mrs.Fletcher answered.


    "Alright. Um, I will see you at the funeral then?" The words felt sickening.


    "Yes." Mrs.Fletcher''s voice cracked and she hung up the phone without a goodbye. Tess closed her phone and leaned back. This was going to be hard, she would have to drone on about how Levi''s death was such a tragedy, and how him taking his own life was such a rash decision.


    "I''m going to lie to so many people." She said to herself. That seemed rouse Silas from his sleep. He opened his eyes and immediately switched his gaze to her.


    "You look awful." He said.


    "Thanks." Tess growled and jumped out of bed. She stormed toward her bathroom, the only retreat in her own room. Silas jumped up and Tess heard him gasp in pain. That was enough to keep her from slamming the bathroom door.


    "Let me see." She said over her shoulder, motioning for him to sit on the counter. Silas eyed her wearily, but came and sat. She pulled up his pant leg and removed the bandage she had put on the previous night. Her nose wrinkled as an arid scent reached it. Puss ran out of the wound and it was red; along with beingswollen.


    "Silas, I thought you said you heal faster than humans!" She said angrily,glaring at him. Silas shrugged.


    "Must have got infected." Tess narrowed her gaze.


    "Do you think this is some kind of joke?" She said sharply. Silas seemed completely surprised by her aggressive tone.


    "Tess, what is your problem this morning?" He asked defensively. Tess held back the tears that threatened to spill.


    "Levi''s mother asked me to speak at his funeral." Tess answered, her voice barely above a whisper. Silas''s gaze quickly softened.


    "I''m so sorry, Tess." He said, drawing her into to a hug and Tess surprised herself by not retreating.


    "What am I going to do? What will I say? They don''t even know what really happened." Tess muttered. Silas took a long breath and slowly let it out.


    "Lie." He whispered. Tess looked up at him.


    "Don''t angels have a rule of some kind against lying?" She asked curiously.


    "No, actually we are allowed to lie, like I did when I first met you." Silas said with a small shrug. Tess remembered back when he had introduced himself, but the flashback only brought memories of Levi . Tess wished she could just curl up and let the world melt away.


    "I''ll come with you to the funeral." Silas offered, but being her guardian angel Tess knew he would be there anyway, visible or invisible.


    "That would be great, Silas." Tess answered. Silas smiled at her and sat back down. Tess cleaned out his wound to the best of her abilities and tried to push the worry of blood poisoning out of her thoughts. Silas''s eyes wandered around the bathroom as if he wasn''t concerned at all. There was a knock on Tess''s door and a jiggle of the doorknob, testing to see if it was locked.


    "Tess, you need to come eat breakfast." Christian''s irritated voice drifted through the thin wooden door. Tess sighed, looking away from Silas and turning to the mirror. She could cover up her wrists with some bracelets and most of the bruises on her neck with her hair. Silas looked at her and nodded as if knowing to leave, then faded from her sight. Tess finished dressing and unlocked her door, slipping out of her room. Walking down the hallway, she entered the kitchen silently. There was a plate of eggs sitting at the table, obviously prepared for her. She sat down, aware of her parents watching her every movement. She stabbed her eggs with her fork a little bit before her mom finally spoke.


    "How are you feeling?" Her mother asked timidly.


    "What do you think?" Tess growled back, she hated all of their questions. She saw her father''s gaze harden.


    "Tess, who shoved me last night?" Her father demanded. Tess stiffened. Her father had no possible way of knowing that was Silas, right?


    If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.??"I don''t know what you''re talking about." Tess said calmly, but didn''t meet her father''s eye.


    "Tess!" Her father yelled and she jumped, inhaling quickly.


    "Don''t play games with me," Christian''s voice was a low growl, "Who shoved me?"


    "I don''t know." Tess insisted, this time meeting her fathers hard gaze. Christian seemed saddened at her fibbing.


    "I didn''t want to have to do this." Her father looked straight behind her and lifted his hand, flicking it to the right. There was a yell as something thumped loudly against the wall. Silas slowly appeared, rubbing his temple with a slight grimace. Tess looked back at Silas and was too shocked to make any comment. Her mouth fell open as she looked back at her father.


    "Seems we have a few things to talk about here." Her father said lowly. Tess glanced at her mom who had fallen silent. Silas stood up and looked warily at Christian.


    "Who are you?" Silas demanded. Tess''s father contemplated his answer, as if finding satisfaction in his newest discovery.


    "I will tell you who I am if you tell me who you are. Even though I know exactly who you are." Tess looked at Silas then back at her father. Silas seemed completely at a loss for wordswhen he came back over to Tess''s side protectively. Christian glanced at Eugene before talking.


    "I am an ordinary human like your mother, except I got a few perks. When I was born, I was an angel, but that wasn''t good enough for me. The temptation of power overcame me and in turn Gabriel kicked me out of Heaven. He let me keep my powers, a mistake on his part. I turned rogue, a fallen angel." Tess noticed Silas''s narrowed gaze as Tess''s mom brought him a chair to sit in.


    "Fallen angels are no friend of Heaven."


    "Indeed, we are not." Christian answered smugly.


    "I began cutting down angels and in turn there was a large reward for my head. I also became a very close friend of the devils." Tess''s father hesitated and looked at her, his voice softening.


    "I was responsible for many deaths, human included." Tess inwardly gasped. Her father was a murderer! Eugene''s voice broke the silence.


    "That was, until he killed my angel." She said quietly. Tess and Silas both perked up with curiosity, ready for the story to continue.


    "Your father fought against my angel and killed him, but when he saw me it...it changed him somehow." Her mother glanced at her father and Tess could see the affection they held for each other. She rolled her eyes and leaned back in her chair. The story had taken a more boring turn.


    "Your father began to see me in his human form and soon we were inseparable." Tess looked down at the floor.


    Like Levi and I...


    "It was complicated after that, but your father somehow worked out a deal that allowed him to keep a few of his powers and marry me." ??Silas looked at Christian.


    "You lost your wings." Christian frowned.


    "Sadly yes, but it was worth it." Tess wondered what was so big about angels and their wings. Silas answered the question as if reading her mind.


    "An angels wings are their crowning glory, to lose them is to lose your honor." He said and Tess nodded in understanding. There was eerie silence for a minute or two.


    "So how''d your angel play a part in Levi''s death?" Christian asked suddenly. Tess straightened, how would he even know that?


    "How did you figure out I was angel?" Silas''s words had bite to them.


    "Easy, one of my powers I kept was that my mind couldn''t be wiped. When you tried to wipe it that night, I knew you were an angel, I just didn''t know why you showed up. After you became Tess''s science partner, I kept a close eye on you. Once you blocked me last night I figured out you were her guardian angel. With Levi''s sudden death and Tess being a seer, I knew something was up." Her father said simply. Silas looked slightly aggravated that her father had figured it so easily.


    "So how did Levi die?" Her father asked again, Tess was surprised at the tenderness that entered into his voice.


    "Levi was possessed by a demon and attacked me. Silas defended me, but in the process he had to kill Levi." Tess answered.


    "And covered it up to look like a suicide," Christian finished her statement, shaking his head grimly, "I can''t believe Levi would let something like a demon take over him."


    "He regretted it!" Tess said louder than she meant to. Christian looked at Tess.


    "I''m sure he did," He paused, with a look of concern crossing his face, "Did he hurt you?" He asked quickly, looking at Tess''s face. Tess suddenly realized she had forgotten to cover the gashes on her face.


    "No, I''m fine." She lied, not wanting to re-live her experience again.


    "Tess, I''m serious. Don''t lie to us." Christian''s voice lost the comfort it had held moments ago. Tess couldn''t help cowering against Silas. His fingers found her hand and Silas intertwined their fingers.


    "He didn''t hurt her." Silas said flatly. Tess was relieved that Silas lied for her, even if it was wrong. Tess''s father narrowed his eyes, seeming to decide forcing Tess to tell the truth would make things worse.


    "Can I go to my room now?" Tess asked quietly.


    "You haven''t even touched your breakfast." Her mom protested.


    "I''m not hungry."


    "But Tess-"


    "Let her go, honey." Christian said gently, touching Eugene''s hand. Tess saw her mother''s eyes water, Levi''s death was definitely affecting the whole family. Tess stood up, slowly walked to her room, not even noticing Silas walking beside her.

 Chapet Nineteen

    Silas looked at Tess. The black dress wasn''t the most flattering, but then again, it was a funeral.


    "I hate this." Tess growled, looking at herself in the mirror.


    "Well if you like it, I think you might have a slight issue." Silas replied sarcastically. Tess turned around and gave him a sly smile, she had gained some of her old humor back. Silas watched her smile fade as she looked out the window.


    "Silas, do you think I can do this?" Silas tried not to be annoyed at the question, Tess had lost a lot of self-confidence and needed a tonof reassurance. He got off of Tess''s bed and straightened his tie. Wearing a suit was something he had never done and it was a bit uncomfortable. Tess giggled, a very quiet one yet noticeable.


    "Let me help you." Walking over to Silas, she grabbed his tie and fixed it, making it look presentable.


    "There, that''s better." She looked up at Silas.


    "Tess, you can do this." Silas said sternly. Tess smiled, but dropped her gaze to the floor.


    "Tess, time to get going!" Her father shouted. Tess looked at Silas, fear flashing through her eyes.


    "It will be okay." Silas reassured her. He laced his fingers through hers, something they had both taken as a gesture of comfort or a sign of fear. Tess smiled and unwound her fingers from his. She opened her bedroom door, taking a deep breath as she stepped out and Silas followed her. They all piled in the yellow truck that Silas had always watched from the sky. It almost seemed ironic, him sitting in it. Everyone was completely silentwhile they rode to the funeral home. Silas kept his attention focused on Tess out of the corner of his eye. He only wished he could take away her pain. Gabriel had never warned him of the heartache his humans pain would cause him. He had kept a close eye on Tess during the night and she had woken up twice with tears in her eyes. Silas watched the trees slow as Tess''s father turned into the drivewayof the funeral home. Tess''s father hadn''t said anything to him since yesterday and Silas was glad. He didn''t like being in the presence of a fallen angel, even if Christian had Gabriel''s forgiveness.


    The truck stopped and Silas glanced at Tess. She was completely drawn within herself, her face expressionless. Silas touched her shoulder and she jumped. Silas''s face melted into sympathy, knowing this was going to be a hard day. He got out of the truck slowly and looked around with a critical eye. He supposed he should be more mournful, more downcast, but even at a funeral he had to look out for Tess''s safety. After deciding everything was alright, he focused on supporting Tess. She would no doubt be bombarded by classmates and sympathizers. He followed Tess as she made her way to Levi''s mother. The two embraced and they both sobbed loudly. Silas watched them. He knew Tess was in pain, but he couldn''t even comprehend the pain Levi''s mother was in. He saw Levi''s father conversing with Tess''s. Levi''s father looked exactly like him, except that he had green eyes and brown hair. Tess had finished her conversation and was going over to the line to see Levi in his coffin. Silas sidled up to her. Tess glanced up at him and he could see that her make-up was already smudged. He reached down and wiped the wayward mascara off her face. Tess gave him a questioning look and he showed her his thumb with the black mascara on it. Tess sighed.


    "I must look like a train wreck."


    "You''re not too bad." Silas offered her his arm as they neared the coffin. Tess practically latched onto it whenthey arrived at thecasket. Tess took a glance at the coffin, but hid her face in Silas''s shoulder.


    "I can''t look at him, not like this." Silas looked at the dead body. Levi was dressed in a black suit and his grey eyes were hidden behind closed lids. His mouth was closed and make-up was added togive his lips a more life-like color. His forehead was plastered with make-up as coroners had tried to hide the bullet wound to his head.


    The bullet I put there. Silas thought solemnly. Theidea made his stomach lurch sickly. He picked up his pace, taking an all too eager Tess with him. Silas let out a breath he didn''t know he had held as they distanced themselves from the coffin. Tess was sniffing, trying to keep herself composed.


    "He didn''t deserve this." She said quietly whileSilas led her to their seats. Her words only weighed Silas downmore.


    Could he have somehow saved Tess without killing Levi? The thought haunted him as Levi''s mother and father stood up and began speaking about their son. Silas listened quietlywhile they described his childhood and what a great man he would''ve become. All to soon Levi''s mother called Tess up to speak. Tess froze in place.


    "Tess!" Silas whisper shouted. She looked at him, eyes wide.


    "I can''t do this." She shook her head and her body trembled.


    "Yes you can." Silas gazed deep into her eyes, wishing her do to this. Tess swallowed and slowly stood up. It was eerily silent as she walked to the front of the room. Tess looked out at all the people gathered.


    "Levi was the best friend anyone could ever hope for. No matter how many times I got us both into trouble, he still stayed by my side." There were a few small chuckles from both Levi''s parents and Tess''s as they recalled the memories.


    "There are no words that could describe Levi, at least none that would do him justice. Over the years I had so grown close to him. I realized he was more than just a friend. Levi was peace, shelter, love, and many other attributes that credited him. Every day he would drive me home from school, just so I wouldn''t be alone." Tess''s voice began to strain.


    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.??"Levi taught me not to dwindle on things in the past or future, but to live in the now, in all its glory and even sadness. I know if he were here right now, he would be chastising all of us for crying over him." Tess sucked in a breath, she turned to Levi''s coffin.


    "So whether or not you like it, Levi, I''m going to cry for you. I''m going to cry for you because you were my closest friend in life and I will always love you." In that moment Silas figured out something else angels could do. Cry. He felt the tear drip down onto his cheek followed by another that fell down on the pants of his suit, making a dark black blot. He wiped the wet tear off his face, drawing in a deep breath. He felt guilty. He had taken away Tess''s best friend, her love really. Now look where it had led. Silaswasn''t sure whether he had done the right thing anymore.Tess was headed straight for their seats when Silas looked up again. Her head was bowed, but she couldn''t hide the emotions on her face. Silas stood up and she collapsed into his embrace. She cried into his chest, wetting his shirt with countless amounts of tears. Silas wrapped his arms around her shoulders, drawing her close. He didn''t know how long they stood like that, silently embracing each other, enveloped in a different sadness only they would know. Silas could smell Tess''s shampoo as he laid his chin on her head.


    "You ready to go to the graveside?" He asked quietly. Mostly everyone had left to join the parade to the graveside. Tess let go of Silas''s midsection and wiped her face. Her make-up was smeared beyond repair, but she managed to wipe it most of it off.


    "Yeah." She whispered in a hoarse voice. Silas led her over to her parents, who were patiently waiting. They all shuffled out to the ugly Chevy truck in silence. Silas watched Tess as she lookedout her window, her eyes were glazed, as if the will to be alive had been taken from her. Silas was feeling low and wished the funeral was over already. Not that he was heartless, but angels had distant connections to things of the world, and funerals were something angels rarely went to. Plus he hated to see Tess engulfed in sorrow.


    The line finally pulled into the graveyard and Silas withhelda sigh of relief for Tess''s sake. He jumped out of his side of the truck and went over to Tess''s side, opening her door. He offered his hand to help her down and she didn''t let go of it as they headed toward the spot marked for Levi''s grave. Silas watchedwhile they lowered the coffin into the grave. As they began to cover it up Tess looked away.


    "I want to go home." She whispered. Her voice was shaking and Silas could feel slight tremors from her body.


    "Okay we can go." Silas told her. He was glad to leave, all the sadness was depressing. They walked over to her parents.


    "Can we go home?" Tess asked her father.


    "No, we can''t leave now. We have to go to Levi''s house for the dinner afterward."


    "Dad, please." Tess begged, she was pale and her face contorted with mental torture. Silas knew she needed to get out of this place or she was likely to pass out.


    "No." He father said firmly. Silas felt his patience reach a breaking point.


    "She wants to go home and I''m taking her, with or without your consent." Silas challenged him. Christian features flared up in anger.


    "What did you say to me?" He growled. Silas leaned forward.


    "Give me the keys to the truck, Christian." Silas hissed. Tess and Eugene both looked horrified with Christian and Silas''s behavior. Christian looked angrily into Silas''s eyes and Silas stared back. He braced himself for a fight.


    "Christian." Eugene warned. Christian''s gazedidn''t break Silas''s, but there was a rattle of keys and soon they were being shoved into Silas''s chest. Silas took the keys wordlessly and grabbed Tess''s arm gently. Leading her to the truck, Silas had to keep himself from ripping the driver side door completely off it''s hinges. Silas put the keys in and started the car. They were just outside of the graveyard before Tess spoke.


    "You shouldn''t test my dad like that." Her voice seemed so small. Silas hadn''t driven a vehicle in a while so he kept his eyes on the road.


    "What do you mean, Tess? You were about to have a panic attack and he wasn''t going to let you leave."


    "I know, but still, you guys just need to get over yourselves." Silas rolled his eyes.


    "You''re really going to take his side?" He scoffed, bouncing his fingertips on the steering wheel. Tess didn''t answer him and he glanced over at her. Herhead was laid up against the window and she looked like she was asleep. Silas couldn''t help but smile. She must have been completely worn out.


    Guard your heart Silas, for it can be deceitful. Gabriel''s words echoed in his mind. Silas shook his head. He hadn''t realized that his eyes had ventured to Tess''s lips and he wanted their touch. He refocused on the road, that should be the least of his thoughts, especially today. What had come over him? Silas was becoming afraid of the closeness that had bloomed between he and Tess so suddenly. It could be his destruction.

 Chapter Twenty

    Tess was in Levi''s room, pinned against the wall. He walked toward her, his grey eyes sad.


    "Why didn''t you save me Tess?" Tess looked at the bullet wound through his head.


    "Levi, I wanted to, but I couldn''t." She pleaded.


    "You let him kill me." His voice turned dark.


    "Levi, Silas had no choice." Levi crossed the room in the blink of an eye. He slammed her spine against the wall and his eyes turned blacker than any color she had ever seen.


    "Levi, wake up!" Tess screamed. He wrapped his hand around her throat.


    "You let him kill me and now I will kill you!!" He squeezed down onto her throat and Tess started gagging.


    "I will rise from my grave and all will be lost!" He cackled, "The ground will cry tears of blood!" Tess clawed at his hands as he pushed harder. She could feel the life being sapped out of her. Tess screamed one last time.


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~


    Tess sat up and screamed.


    "Help!" She gripped the blankets. Warm hands reached for her and she fought them.


    "Help!" She screamed, kicking and writhing in blind madness.


    "Tess! Tess, calm down!" Silas''s voice said urgently. Tess kept fighting untilSilas finally pinned her hands to her sides.


    "Tess, stop it!" He shouted. Tess looked around, her vision clearing. Silas was holding onto her with a fearful expression in his eyes.


    "Oh, Silas." Tess wrapped her arms around him, clinging to the only thing she could trust in life. Silas pulled away from her, loosening his grip.


    "What''s wrong?" He asked. Tess swallowed.


    "It was a nightmare."


    "About what?"


    "Levi and the demon, but it seemed so realistic, so tangible." Tess muttered.


    "What happened?"


    "The demon said that he was going to rise from the grave and the ground would cry tears of blood." Tess shivered. Silas looked troubled at her words.


    "It can''t happen can it?" Tess asked.


    "What?"


    "The dead rising."


    "No," Silas answered, "it was probably just a bad nightmare." Tess couldn''t shake the weird feeling the dream gave her. She got up and went to the bathroom, splashing water on her face. She knew Silas was probably watching her from the make-shift bed he had on the floor. Tess wouldn''t admit it, but she wanted Silas to be near her at all times and he didn''t seem to mind staying close to her.


    "You look worn out." Silas commented from the floor.


    "I am." Tess said, walking out of the bathroom. Levi''s funeral had been three days ago. She was slowly shifting back to normal and wassupposed to return to school next week. Her parents had given her all the space she needed and she finally had time to think.Tess brought the Seers book out from under her bed and opened it to the marked page. Silas had been teaching her the secrets of the ancient book. He looked at the page briefly before standing at the foot of the bed.


    "Now besides being able to speak Latin, Seers can also move things at will, but it takesimmense concentration." He pointed to the book on her nightstand.


    "Bring that book to you by flotation." Tess sighed, she didn''t see the reasoning behind the exercise, but she would do it.


    "Adveho ad ego." Tess said the Latin words easily. They came to her like an instinct. She concentrated on moving the book, but it slid to the edge of the nightstand and fell to the floor with a thud. Tess frowned.


    "Focus Tess, you are powerful, you are better than this." Tess hated it when Silas talked like that. Telling her "she had the world at her fingers" or "she wields a weapon of power," It made her feel like everyone should fear her and Silas said they should. She focused on the book once more, calling to it. It slowly came off the floor and steadily toward her. She got so excited that it began to drop, but she caught it before it hit the floor. Waving it triumphantly, she turned to Silas, but he was frowning.


    "You must concentrate until you finish the task or you will be vulnerable." Tess huffed.


    "Thanks for the ''great job Tess, you''re doing wonderful.''" Silas smiled.


    "Good job." Tess rolled her eyes. She sat down and idly flippedthrough thepages in the book. She stopped at one that showed a demon,it looked like it was separating from a human.


    "What is this spell?" She asked, intrigued. Silas frowned.


    "You aren''t ready for that."


    "What is it, Silas?" Tess demanded.


    "It''s a demon expulsion spell." Silas said quietly.


    "You mean that you can separate the demon from the human it possesses?"


    "Yes, but it is very complicated and should not be used unless the situation is dire." Silas rambled on, sounding as if the spell really didn''t matter.Tess froze.


    "I could''ve saved Levi..." She started.


    "No Tess, the spell would''ve killed you." Silas seemed angry at her suggestion. Tess looked up at him.


    "I think we''re done for today." Silas grabbed the book and closed it. Tess glared at him angrily, but he ignored her.


    "Tess, you can''t do everything." Silas''s voice was low.


    "What good is this whole Seer thing if I can''t even save the people closest to me?" Tess growled, raking a hand through her hair infrustration.


    "Tess, your gift can help save thousands of people, it was just too late for Levi and you have to accept that." Tess knew he was right, but it still pained her.


    "Everything seems so hopeless, you know." Tess flopped down on her bed and looked at the ceiling. Silas laid down much more gently beside her. Tess turned her head and looked at Silas''s golden eyes, his gorgeous golden eyes. Silas held her gaze, his eyes searching; they always seemed to be searching.


    "I wish that the world would just fade away and that I could just sit here like this...with you." The words slipped before she could stop them. Silas propped his elbow up and rested his chin on his hand.


    "What did you say?" He asked, a smirk playing on his lips.


    "Don''t act like you didn''t hear that, you knew what I said." Tess said grumpily. Silas smiled.


    Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.??"You want to know the truth?" He said.


    "What''s that?" Tess looked up at him.


    "I would rather be with you then with any other human" Silas admitted. Tess felt her cheeks grow warm, knowing just how lucky she was to get Silas instead of a different angel.


    "Even if you are an annoying, nagging, bullheaded-"


    "Hey!" Tess cut him offpoking his side. Silas laughed and tried to get away from her.


    "I''ll get you for that." He tickled at her sides and Tess squealed.


    "Stop it!" She laughed, banging her fists against him playfully. Silas grabbed her around the waist, preventing her from getting away. Tess twisted around, trying to break his grasp. She flipped over in an attempt to move away from him, but instead her lips came inches from his. She felt all of Silas''s muscles tense up and she realized how warm his skin was. Tess looked into his golden eyes that flashed with apprehensiveness. Her breath hitched because suddenly, she wanted to kiss him. Silas didn''t move and Tess couldn''t even feel him breathing.


    "Don''t Tess." He said quietly. Tess immediately understood. The angel rules, if she kissed Silas he would be in a lot of trouble. Tess rolled off of Silas quickly. He sat up and looked extremely uncomfortable.


    "I''m sorry, I shouldn''t have done that." Tess apologized. Silas held up a hand.


    "It''s fine, just don''t bring it up in the future okay?" Tess thought she caught something unsure in his voice.


    "Okay." She answered. She and Silas both sat in a quiet silence for about five minutes. She smirked at a thought and looked at him.


    "Have you ever been kissed?" She asked. Silas shook his head, chuckling.


    "Just because I''m angel, doesn''t mean I don''t have fun."


    "So you have kissed someone then?" Tess quirked an eyebrow.


    "Yes, another angel." Silas gave a sly grin. Tess wondered what the girl looked like, was she perfect like Silas?


    "I won''t bother asking if you have ever kissed someone."


    "Why?" Tess asked curiously.


    "Remember, angel, watches you at all times,. Tess thought of the time Levi and she had kissed in his car and she blushed.


    "Yes, I saw that." Silas said grudgingly.


    "Sorry." Tess looked away from him, wondering why Silas hadn''t just looked away, but she knew he wouldn''t want to answer that question. She looked at Silas''s clothing. He was dressed in jeans and a white t-shirt.


    "I thought angels wore little white robes and golden sandals?" Silas rolled his eyes.


    "Common misconception, we only wear robes on certain occasions and they look a lot different."


    "So you don''t fly around on clouds half naked?" Tess smirked.


    "Stupid cherubs, ruined our good name." Silas grumbled, Tess laughed.


    "Do you ever wish you could be human?" Silas contemplated the question for a second.


    "I think it would be interesting to be a human for a little bit. I don''t understand the things humans do sometimes though."


    "Like what?"


    "Like trying to go to Mars." Silas said. Tess laughed, but then realized Silas was being completely serious.


    "If God wanted you guys to live on Mars he would have put you there in the first place. One mistake and poof! Instant death." Silas pointed out. Tess had to agree with him.


    "I think it would be cool to explore Mars, but not to live on it." Silas gave a nod of agreement.


    "Want something to eat?" She asked, her stomach had finally settled and she was hungry.


    "That would be nice." Silas answered. Tess jumped off her bed and opened the bedroom door. She walked into the kitchen as her father was walking out. He silently passed Silas without a even blinking, but their disliking for each other was almost tangible.


    "When will your father stop hating me?" Silas asked, opening a cabinet.


    "How about whenever you stop hating him." Tess suggested.


    "I don''t hate him." Silas grumbled.


    "Well you haven''t exactly buddied up to him either. If anything, you did the opposite."


    "It''s just, if you''re a fallen angel it''s nothing to be proud of, and angel''s do not like being in the same room as the fallen." Silas seemed irritated just speaking of fallen angels. Tess found some leftover food in the fridge and set it out for her and Silas. She watched him eat out of the corner of her eye. Apparently angels still had the appetites of humans.


    "How is your leg?" Tess asked him from across the table.


    "It''s alright." Silas didn''t look at her.


    "You''re an awful liar." Tess smirked. Silas sighed.


    "It still hurts, but it''s better than yesterday." Tess frowned. Whenever it came to Silas''s well-being, he was so careless. This made her wonder if he was lying again. She looked at him again and noticed he had stopped eating.


    "Did you not like the casserole?" Tess poked hers curiously. Silas shook his head.


    "No, the casserole was fine, I just...I have something for you."


    "Alright, and that would be?" Tess asked, propping her elbows on the table and putting her chin in her hands. He drew something out of his pocket that was sheathed in leather, its handle sticking out. The leather had intricate marks on it, which looked like endless amounts of ink black swirls.


    "What is it?" Tess asked, taking it slowly.


    "Open it and see." Silas answered, giving away nothing. She grabbed the handle of the item, it was pure white ivory, but with the same black swirls on it asthe case. As she drew the majestic item out of its case, she realized it was a dagger. Not just any dagger either, it was made with celestial bronze. The blade flashed bluewhen it caught the light.


    "Silas, it''s beautiful." She eyed the dagger in wonder.


    "I figured you would need something to defend yourself with, in case you came across more demons." Silas said modestly. Tess looked at him.


    "You made this didn''t you?" She asked, surprised.


    "Yes." Silas ducked his head.


    "Thank you." Tess smiled. She wondered how long a project like this could have taken.


    "I thought after Levi died, I would never be able to be happy again," Tess looked at Silas''s gold eyes, "but Silas, you''re changing that for me."

 Chapter Twenty-One

    Silas sat on the chair beside Tess''s bed silently. She had been having nightmares every night since the first one. They were always the same and always equally terrifying to Tess. Silas no longer slept on the floor, staying at Tess''s side all through the night. She would wake up screaming and writhing until Silas managed to pull her into his tight embrace. She would cry for a little while and then try to fall back asleep. Silas heard the hooting of an owl and turned his head to look out the window. At the same time Tess''s earsplitting scream rang through the room. Silas immediately jumped out of his chair and tried to keep Tess from harming herself in her crazed state.


    "Tess, stop!" He shouted, trying to get through to her. His heart pounded fearfully, seeing her like this.


    "Silas!" She shrieked as she seemed to come out of her sleep.


    "I''m right here." He whispered calmly. Tess turned her wide grey eyes toward him. He felt the familiar thud of her hitting his chest and wrapping her arms around him. He stroked her hair comfortingly.


    "It''s okay. You''re okay." He repeated. Tess''s breathing slowed and she finally pulled away from him. Instead of smiling at her, Silas stared at her in horror. The marks of thumbs were imprinted on her skin and her throat was red where unseen hands had gripped her throat.


    "What?" Tess asked, seeing his horrified look. Silas snapped out of his daze.


    "Your throat." He whispered. Tess slowly got up and walked to her mirror. Her horrified gaze mirrored Silas''s. Her hands flew to her mouth as she gasped.


    "How?"


    "I don''t know, but somehow, something is getting to you through your dreams."


    "It has to be Akbar." Tess growled, whirling away from the mirror. Silas shook his head, not wanting himself to believe it.


    "No, Akbar is dead. I killed him." Silas said firmly. Tess gave him a doubtful look. Silas sank down onto Tess''s bed and drew within himself, barely noticing Tess sit down beside him. He was only brought out of thoughts as he felt her rest her head against his shoulder.


    "What does Akbar want with me?" She asked quietly. Silas didn''t know how to answer the question. She didn''t need to know anything about the foretelling of a special Seer.


    "I don''t know." He lied. Tess didn''t notice the hesitation in his answer.


    "Why do you hate Akbar?" Silas was caught off guard by the question. He opened his mouth, but words failed him. Tess took her head off his shoulder so she could look him the eyes. Silas looked away.


    "Silas," Tess put a hand on his shoulder, "you can tell me anything." Silas met her gaze.


    "Years ago, there was a small fight between three angels and a demon. One angel was very young and foolish. The three angels tried to fend off the demon as best as possible, but two of them perished protecting the young one." Silas paused before continuing.


    "The two angels that perished were my parents, and the demon-"


    "Was Akbar." Tess finished, her voice barely a whisper.


    "I escaped, but not without a consequence." Silas said, scootign away from her slightly. He slowly removed his shirt, exposing the tan skin of his back. He knew that running from the top of his right shoulder blade all the way to his left hip, was a long, pale scar. His wings were invisible, making the scar easily seen. He heard Tess inhale quietly and he felt her fingertips brush his skin. Her warm touch on his cool back made him shiver on the inside.


    "Silas."


    "He took a dagger and ran it through my back; I only escaped thanks to my parents." He put his shirt back on quickly. Silas felt as if he were reliving the memories. He could feel his ownpain as the blade pierced through his skin. His dark red blood had splashed everywhere. He remembered his mother and father shouting at him to run and not getting far enough away to miss his mother''s agonizing scream as she died. After that, he laid in a ditch somewhere until Diana had found him.


    "Silas?" Tess''s hand squeezing his shoulder brought him back to the present.


    "Hmmm?"


    "I''m sorry." She whispered. Silas felt her lips brush the side of his cheek. It was quick, but he felt it.


    "It''s okay." Silas looked at her, noticing how tired she must be.


    "You need to go to sleep." Silas stated. Tess yawned, but shook her head.


    "I can''t go to sleep, not after that."


    "Well you have to." Silas insisted as he lifted himself off Tess''s bed.


    "Wait." Tess said quickly, grabbing his wrist. Silas looked at her questioningly.


    "Can you just stay...right here...with me. I need someone to comfort me right now." Tess sounded embarrassed at her own request. Silas hesitated, every bone in his body told him it would be wrong, but his mind clouded his inner feelings.


    "Ummm," Silas''s darker side finally overrode his good side, "sure." Tess smiled and it almost convinced Silas he had made the right decision. She scooted over and laid her head down on her pillow. Silas laid down on his back beside her, glad the bed was pretty big.


    "Are you comfortable?" Tess asked, her head facing toward him.


    "Yes." Silas lied. He was completely uncomfortable. Tess''s head rested against his shoulder, which didn''t help Silas much. He waited until Tess was finally asleep before turning on his side so he could look at her. Tess had a small smile on her face, which disappeared when Silas moved. In her sleep she moved closer to him, trying to find his body heat. Her head ended up buried in his chest and one of her legs intertwined with his. Silas let a nervous breath.


    "For the love of Pete." Silas tried to move away, but Tess just kept cuddling up to him. The warmth of her forehead touched the exposed skin of his neck. Silas felt his heartbeat pick up. He had never had much contact at all with humans until he had revealed himself to Tess and her touch exhilarated every part of him. He knew he shouldn''t be doing this; he was breaking law just letting this get to him.


    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.??I''m stronger than this! He told himself, but then Tess sighed. It was a loud, content, safe sigh. He wrapped his arms around her, protecting her with his embrace. Silas let his cheek rest on her head and he felt like this was where he belonged.


    ~~~~~~~~~~


    Silas didn''t know he had fallen asleep, but when he woke, Tess was still asleep beside him. Silas tried to move as little as possible, Tess''s shirt had slid up the small of her back just a little bit, exposing the venerable skin. Silas''s finger tips rested against the cool skin. He felt Tess stir against his neck. He stopped moving.


    "Silas?" She seemed confused and a hand came up, almost poking him in the eye. She touched his face and lips carefully.


    "Tess, it''s me." Silas smiled. Tess sprang away from him suddenly.


    "I''m so sorry!" She apologized, her face was beet red.


    "You should be." Silas propped his elbow up.


    "Even angels struggle with temptation." Silas let his golden gaze lock with hers. Tess dropped her eyes to a stain on her carpet. Silas gave her a sympathetic smile and walked over. He put his hands on her shoulders.


    "Tess, I could have resisted all that cuddling up you did to me last night, but I didn''t. It wasn''t all your fault." Tess didn''t seem happy with his answer.


    "Silas, I''m part of the problem. I''m causing you to stumble." She gasped.


    "You could become a fallen angel!" Silas rolled his eyes.


    "Tess, I made a minor mistake, I''m nowhere close to be being a fallen angel." In that moment there was bright flash in Tess''s room and Diana appeared out of nowhere. She was dressed in all black, her hair tossed over to the side. She always looked rebellious. Tess looked surprised, but Silas wasn''t.


    "What do you want?" He asked.


    "Gabriel wants to talk to you." Diana smiled cheekily.


    "He''s not very happy." She glanced at Tess and gave a slight nod before turning to Silas.


    "She''s pretty cute." Diana commented.


    "Shut up. I''ll be back." Silas said the first part to Diana and the second to Tess. Diana turned back to Tess.


    "You kiss him yet?" Tess''s eyes grew wide in surprise.


    "No!"


    "Shame, he''s a good kisser."


    "Diana!" Silas gasped in exasperation. Diana smiled sweetly at him.


    "Is this the girl you kissed?" Tess asked, raising an eyebrow. Silas groaned.


    "Do we have to talk about this?"


    "Yes," Diana laughed, "because you know you liked it." Diana winked, and she and Tess laughed.


    "Let''s get going." Silas growled and turned invisible.


    "See you later." Diana said and followed Silas.


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


    Silas was called into the throne room within minutes of arriving. Gabriel stared at him as Silas kneeled.


    "Rise." Silas stood.


    "Silas, you''re getting too close to your charge." Gabriel warned already getting to the point. Silas glanced around the throne room, glad that no one was around.


    "Last night was my mistake, Gabriel." Silas admitted. Gabriel walked down the stairs toward him.


    "A mistake I do not want to see again." He paced around Silas.


    "Must you always do that?" Silas asked, Gabriel halted.


    "Silas, I''m serious."


    "I understand." Silas sighed.


    "You''re dismissed." Silas bowed and walked out of the throne room. Diana was leaning against one of the pillars of the building, wating for him to come out.


    "Did he chew you out?" She asked, walking beside him.


    "Don''t act like you didn''t hear what was said Diana. I know you were listening." Diana gave a small laugh.


    "You really like her don''t you?" Diana smiled coyly.


    "Diana, don''t you have anything better to do?" Diana pretended to contemplate the question.


    "Nothing that is as fun as this." They both launched off the clouds and spiraled toward Tess''s house. Both landed in her room turning visible. Tess was sitting on her bed.


    "Back so soon?" She asked.


    "Ha-ha." Silas said sarcastically. Diana walked over to Tess.


    "Easy on Silas, Gabriel chewed him out."


    "Is that so?" Tess raised an eyebrow. Silas sighed, knowing Diana was rubbing off on her.


    "He did not."


    "Silas, always the proud type," Diana whispered to Tess, just loud enough for Silas to hear. Both girls giggled. Silas felt like melting into the floor.


    "Well, I need to get going." Diana said, sounding very put out. She walked over to Silas, glancing at Tess.


    "Better keep a good hold on him, I might just steal him." Diana ran her finger along Silas''s collarbone before grabbing his t-shirt, yanking him into a kiss. She kissed him long and deep, before letting him go. Silas tried not to kiss her back as her lips taunted him.


    "See you two later." She opened her wings and jumped out the open window. Tess raised an eyebrow at Silas. Silas began walking away toward the bathroom.


    "Don''t ask."

 Chapter Twenty-Two

    Tess would have screamed, except that she couldn''t breathe. She was actually choking. Silas tried to help her, but she shooed him back. Instead he brought over a cup of water. Once she could breathe, she took it carefully. After taking a sip, she looked at him.


    "We have to go to Levi''s grave."


    "What?" Silas looked at her like she was crazy. It was not the first thing he expected her to say after being choked.


    "We have to go to Levi''s grave, now." Tess insisted, jumping out of bed. Tess didn''t even think andjust began taking off her clothes to change.


    "Don''t look." She said quickly.


    "What?" Silas turned around, but then covered his eyes, "Tess!"


    "I warned you!" She heard Silas stumble into the bathroom and slam the door. Tess quickly slipped on the closest clothes she could find.


    "Is it safe to come out?" Silas shouted within the bathroom.


    "Yes." Tess said. Silas came out slowly, his hand was still over his eyes.


    "Come on!" Tess grabbed his free hand and dragged him out of her room.


    "Tess, you''re parents are at work and the truck is gone. How are we going to get to the graveyard?" Silas questioned, trying not to fall down the stairs.


    "We''re running!" Tess shouted and sprinted out the door. Silas caught up to her easily.


    "Jump on." He said, running in front of her. Tess leaped onto his back and he boosted her up. She wrapped her legs around his midsection. Silas took off and she swore they were moving faster than a train. After about ten minutes they arrived at the graveyard. Tess scrambled off Silas''s back and ran toward Levi''s grave. When she saw it, she stumbled and landed on her knees.


    "No..." The grave was splintered open and the headstone was cracked in half. Silas ran up beside her.


    "It''s not possible." He gasped. Tess didn''t need to see that Levi''s body was gone, she knew it was.


    "How did you know to come here?" Silas asked Tess. Tess looked at the grave with a vacant expression.


    "It was in the dream. The demon said the time had come." Silas kneeled down beside her and she cowarded into his embrace.


    "What now?" Tess whispered. Silas seemed to stop breathing and Tess knew he had no idea. She shivered withanxiety at the thought of Akbar running free again.


    "We need to take you to Gabriel." Silas said finally.


    "You mean up in the clouds?" Tess looked at the sky skeptically.


    "Yes." Silas replied, a small smile played across his lips. Tess scowled at him.


    "There''s one problem, I don''t exactly have wings."


    "Make yourself fly, you know you have the power to." Tess cringed as if she was struck. Silas looked disappointed.


    "Now I need you to concentrate harder than you have before. Spill all your energy into the spell ''Creo ego lumen dum aer.''" Tess gave Silas a look that said he was insane.


    "Come on Tess, if anything happens I''ll catch you." Tess knew he would, but she still had to ignore her conscience telling her he was crazy.


    "Fine," Tess said nervously, "creo ego lumen dum aer." Tess felt her feet leave the ground and all concentration was lost. Her feet hit the ground firmly.


    "Tess." Silas groaned. Tess whirled on him.


    "Excuse me for not having wings!" Tess growled and the repeated the spell. After a few moments Tess looked down, noticing she was feet from the ground. Pure delight mixed with fear kept her spell intact.


    "Isn''t it gorgeous?" Silas said, floating beside her.


    "Yes." Tess answered, her face was filled with awe.


    "We''re almost there." Silas told her looking upward. Tess looked up frowning. She couldn''t see anything.


    "Follow me." Silas said, grabbing her hand gently. He took her through a white fluffy cloud. As Tess''s vision cleared, she saw golden streets and towering buildings. The whole city seemed to stretch on forever. There were angels flying everywhere and they stopped in their tasks, giving Tess curious looks.


    "How do we not see this place?" Tess asked Silas, she leaned close to him, feeling insecure.


    "There is a shield placed around this part of the Heavens sothat it''s blocked from the human eye." Tess nodded. She looked around, noticing a giant building that had many stone pillars surrounding it.


    "What''s that?" She asked, nodding to it.


    "That is the throne room, and that is where I''m taking you." Silas pulled her along the street with him and they entered the throne room. It was a long hall decorated with pillars and little paths that led other places, but at the end was a small throne, where the not too bad looking Gabriel sat. Tess cautiously followed Silas, gripping his hand like a little kid. She was sure she heard Silas chuckle. Gabriel did not see either of them approach ashe was studying a scroll intently. Silas coughed to get his attention. Gabriel looked up, his golden eyes fixating on Tess and Silas. He smiled warmly, rolling his scroll up.


    "Well, well, this must be Tess." He looked down at their interlocked fingers and Silas''s hand retreated from hers immediately. He turned to Silas.


    "You better have a good reason for bringing her to this most sacred place, that I might add, is not for the human eye to see." Tess frowned, that was a bit...harsh.


    "I do." Silas answered, his confidence didn''t seem to waver. He gestured for Tess to tell Gabriel what she had dreamed and what they had seen today. Tess explained nervously in detail all that had happened. Gabriel''s smile slowly melted into a frown. He stood silently as Tess concluded her story.


    "Tell me again about the last words of your dreams." Tess nodded.


    Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.??"I will rise from the ground and all will be lost. The ground will cry tears of blood."


    "Is that part important?" Tess asked. Gabriel looked at Silas, a look exchanged between them.


    "When night falls, darkness will escape his grave.


    The fires of hope will flicker and die,


    And the very earth will weep blood for its fate.


    As the darkness rises to take its crown,


    A Seer will come to return the light.


    War will rage, hearts will clash


    And the world will be reborn among the ash." Gabriel stared intently at Tess, she looked at him confused.


    "What was that?" Tess asked. Gabriel paced, looking away from her.


    "It was prophecy that was foretold eighteen years ago," Gabriel looked at her, "a prophecy about you." Tess froze up and suddenly it was extremely warm in the room.


    "About me?" She squeaked out.


    "The first part is about Akbar. His rising from the grave. Then it tells of war, we don''t know when or how, but there will be a war." Gabriel features grew grave.


    "But one thing is clear, there will be a Seer that will save us all, and it''s you." Tess backed up, finding a stone pillar.


    "You''ve got to be joking." Gabriel''s face indicated otherwise.


    "Tell me you don''t believe him?" Tess turned to Silas. The angel stared back at her, giving her an answer.


    "Tess, it all makes sense."


    "I have the same powers as all the others Seers." Tess pointed out.


    "That''s why we need to test you." Gabriel said, he was holding an unsheathed dagger that seemed to have appear.


    "How?" Tess asked, looking at him skeptically. Gabriel looked at her.


    "Catch." He threw the dagger faster than humanly possible. Tess didn''t have time to react, she didn''t know how. She closed her eyes, flinching.


    "Good." Came Gabriel''s praise. Tess opened her eyes. The daggers point levitated inches from her nose. She suddenly felt tired and the dagger clattered to the floor.


    "You okay?" Silas asked, grabbing her arm as if to keep her steady.


    "What was that?!" Tess glared straight at Gabriel.


    "A test. And you passed." Tess waited for an explanation.


    "Most Seers have to use a spell to stop things or do things, but every once in a while a Seer is born with an extra power. They are able to use the energy around and in themselves to stop things or move things like my blade. You couldn''t do these things until you learned to control your first power, that''s why you never discovered it. This can be an extremely useful power."


    "Wasn''t there an easier way to show that she had the power? What if she didn''t stop the blade?" Silas asked, he sounded like he was trying to keep his tone level.


    "I knew she would." Gabriel shrugged as if this was old news to him. Silas scowled. Tess stood straighter.


    "So I used the energy within myself to stop your blade?"


    "Yes, and in turn you spent some energy." Tess nodded.


    "You still don''t think you''re the one in the prophecy?" Gabriel looked at her.


    "No, but if there is a war, I want to help." Gabriel gave his nod of approval.


    "We will begin accelerating her training, starting now. Catch." Tess caught the hilt of a sword quickly, it had seemed to come out of nowhere.


    "Demons fight the old way with darkness, swords, and daggers. When this war arrives you need to be able to handle these weapons." He turned.


    "Silas, unsheathe your sword." Silas looked horrified.


    "I will not fight her."


    "You will." Gabriel insisted.


    "Now unsheathe your sword." Silas unhappily unsheathed his blade. The light made the sword glimmer beautifully. Gabriel sat down on his throne.


    "Now fight." Tess''s palms grew sweaty. She hadn''t handled a sword in her whole lifetime and now she was about to get a crash course. Silas looked equally anxious as he stood there. Tess raised her sword, finding it heavier than she thought. Silas took a breath and charged at her, keeping his speed human. Tess tried to block him, but the point of his sword was at her throat easily. She forgot he was left-handed.


    "Again." Gabriel growled. Silas stepped away from her. Tess raised her sword determinedly. Silas charged again, but this time she blocked his sword perfectly and he whirled behind her.


    "You learn quickly," Silas mumbled, "but not quick enough." The point of the sword poked her in the back. Tess found herself growing frustrated already.


    "Again." Gabriel''s voice held a bored tone. Silas backed away, swinging his sword back into its ready position. Tess waited for him and he charged. She blocked him and turned around so that he was not on her backside.


    "Good." Gabriel praised her. Tess glanced at him.


    "Mistake." Silas said, her eyes glanced back anda sword was pointed at her chest. In anger, Tess blew him back a few steps with her powers. Silas fell on his behind and Tess smirked.


    "No cheating." Gabriel said disapprovingly. Tess sighed.


    "Fine." She poised with her sword, waiting for Silas. He got up and charged her; she blocked and dodged him so they were facing each other. Silas lunged forward andTess jumped back, the point of his sword scared her. Silas ran at her and she wasn''t sure where he was going. Her indecision was her downfall as Silas beat her again. Tess sighed, lowering her sword. Silas smiled at the small victory.


    "You know I hate this."


    "I''m sure you do." Tess raised her sword as Gabriel commanded,


    "Again."

 Chapter Twenty-Three

    "I''m really sorry, Tess." Silas apologized for the twentieth time.


    "If I hear those words again, I will personally throw you out my window." Tess said back at him as she headed to her bathroom. Her hand covered the white bandage on her upper left arm. During the end of their fighting session, Silas managed to scratch her with the tip of his sword. Gabriel said the injury was minor and would heal within the week, but Silas felt like he had cut her arm off. He hadn''t wanted to fight her in the first place, but no, Gabriel had insisted upon it. He wondered if Gabriel was trying to diminish some of the closeness between them. Silas followed Tess, hanging in the door-frame of the bathroom.


    "You''re sure you''re okay?" He asked, his voice was soft. Tess smiled.


    "I''m fine Silas, don''t beat yourself up." She patted his arm, walking out of the bathroom. Silas turned and watched her shake her hair out of its ponytail.


    "You know, I once thought that being angel would be fun." Tess said. Silas laughed and raised an eyebrow.


    "What made you change your mind."


    "Gabriel." This produced another laugh from Silas.


    "He does drive a pretty hard bargain."


    "No kidding. Again, again, again! I think we take that word for granted." Tess exclaimed in exasperation, spreading her arms out wide. Silas smiled.


    "Would you really want to be an angel?" He asked.


    "I don''t know, maybe? Would you ever want to be human?"


    "I think about it." Silas walked to her window sill.


    "It''d make things easier." He sighed. He heard Tess come and stand beside him.


    "Make what things easier?" She asked. Silas wasn''t sure about confessing what he felt, but yet he trusted Tess more than anyone else he had ever met.


    "Like being with you." Silas said quietly. Silas looked at Tess, trying to gauge her reaction. There was a softness to her eyes that he had never noticed before. He brought his hand up, stroking her cheek tenderly. Before his hand could retreat Tess grabbed it and pressed it into her cheek, she kissed his palm. Silas leaned forward and pressed his forehead against hers. He could feel her warm breath tickling his face.


    "Silas, you shouldn''t." She whispered.


    "I know, but I want to." He breathed out. Silas slowly lowered his lips down to Tess''s. Tess inhaled slightly and kissed him back. Silas could feel eagerness that she held back, respecting him, but that just made Silas want to kiss her more. He cupped her face with the hand that was still on her cheek and kissed her again. A warm buzzing was growing inside of him. He had never kissed a human before. Angel''s bodies were perfect making kissing another one, well perfect. Humans were not, but yet it made the kiss all the more invigorating for him. Silas slowly released Tess from the warm embrace of his lips. Tess opened her eyes, staring back into his golden ones.


    "Don''t tell Gabriel." Silas smirked.


    "I won''t." She whispered. She wrapped her arms around his neck, letting herself lay against him. Silas let his head rest in the crook of her neck. He could feel the heat of her skin and it tempted him to no end. He let his hands settle around her waist. He couldn''t imagine anyone more beautiful.


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


    Silas woke up with a burning pain in his calf. He checked to make sure Tess was still asleep before he limped to the bathroom. Silas closed the door silently. He unwrapped the bandage on his leg. He had thought the infection had left, but clearly itwasn''t gone.Bloody puss ran out of the wound and the cut itself was deathly black. Silas shook his head, he needed a little more than some new dressing and a little disinfectant.


    "Silas?" Tess''s sleepy voice came from the other side of the door.


    "Yes?" Silas said, quickly covering up his wound and turning the sink water on. He waited a couple of seconds before shutting it off and opening the bathroom door. Tess was making her bed when he came out of the bathroom.


    "Want some help?" Silas asked.


    "Not really." Tess answered. Silas walked over to the head of the bed.


    "Too bad." He threw a pillow at her.


    "Hey!" Tess threw it back.


    "Hey yourself." He threw it once more.


    "Oh, it''s on." Tess narrowed her eyes playfully and ran around the back of the bed. Silas jumped onto the bed, rolling off the other side. He grabbed her other pillow.


    "Let''s see what you can do." He challenged. Tess lunged across the bed and Silas easily dodged her.


    "Is that all you have?" Silas grinned.


    "Not even close." Tess began swinging her pillow again. It hit Silas''s arm. He raised his eyebrow playfully and hit her in the side. Tess laughed and they both swung their pillows at each other. Silas laughed as Tess grabbed his pillow, trying to block his hits.


    "Do you give up?"


    "Never." Tess giggled hitting him again. She sat on her knees on the bed while Silas stood beside it.


    "Oh really?" Silas took her pillow.


    "Hey, that''s cheating!" Tess said, frowning. She let out a surprised squeal as Silas grabbed her around the waist, pulling her up to him.


    "Still don''t give up?" He asked, wrapping a hand gingerly around her neck. Tess gave a coy grin and leaned forward.


    "I never give up." Tess whispered in his ear before springing away. Silas let out a gusty sigh.


    "Boy, you''re cheeky." Tess smiled at him from across the room before scampering out. Silas shook his head and followed her, finding her in the kitchen.


    "Water?" She asked, holding a cup up.


    "Sure." Silas answered, Tess turned on the faucet. Once the glass was full she handed it to Silas. He just shook his head.


    "What?" She asked.


    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.??"We just about kissed in your room and all you''re focused on is water?"


    "Is that a problem?" Tess asked, raising an eyebrow and leaning against the counter.


    "Yes." Silas pouted. Tess giggled and bit her lip.


    "Why don''t you come over and see what happens." Silas smirked and used his speed to practically teleport to Tess. He put a hand around her waist and felt her nervously exhale.


    "You okay?" Tess nodded and smiled.


    "I''m more than okay." Silas smiled and leaned down to kiss her.


    "Aren''t you two cute." Silas slammed his fist against the cabinet.


    "Every time." He growled and turned. Diana waved and smiled innocently. Tess was blushing madly.


    "Did I interrupt something?" Diana asked.


    "Don''t even try that." Silas sighed, looking at her.


    "You''re no fun." Diana stuck out her lip in a child like manner. She stared at Silas and Tess.


    "Why are you staring?" Silas asked, slightly irritated.


    "Just looking at how cute you two are together." She smiled.


    "Gabriel says Tess needs to come up for more training." Silas heard Tess groan, she wasn''t particularly fond of the idea. Silas couldn''t say he was either, but it was important.


    "Come on Tessie, you know you need this." Silas said, turning to her.


    "Doesn''t mean I want it." She sighed. Diana laughed.


    "What?" Tess asked.


    "Nothing." Diana waved her hand. Silas studied her, but she revealed nothing.


    "Let''s just go." Silas said. They walked outside. Silas made himself invisible and waited for Tess do the same. Once her voice confirmed she was, they began the quick ascent to the sky. Silas could feel pressure on his arm, indication that Tess was hanging onto him. They arrived in the golden throne room, where a quiet Gabriel waited.


    "Wait here." Silas told Tess. She looked at him in confusion, but he didn''t want to tell her about his injury. He approached Gabriel.


    "I need to see Remus." Silas whispered to the angel. Gabriel features hardened into deep concern.


    "Remus is to be seen only in great need." Gabriel whispered back. Silas looked at Tess and could tell she was trying to listen in on their conversation.


    "Follow me." He told Gabriel.Silas went behind a small pillar and Gabriel followed. Silas pulled up his pant leg, unwrapping the bandage.


    "I think this is a pretty good reason." Gabriel''s eyes widened at the seeping wound.


    "How long has it been this way?" He asked.


    "Since this morning." Silas said, he covered the wound quickly. Gabriel looked angry and conflicted, but consented.


    "He is in the medical tent of course, I will keep Tess occupied until you get back. I''m assuming you don''t want her to know." Gabriel glanced around the pillar at Tess.


    "No, if she knows she will just worry about me and not focus." Silas didn''t like the way Gabriel eyes narrowed at that. Silas decided he''d better go see Remus before Gabriel began to ask questions. He walked out of the throne room and a little ways down the golden streets before arriving at the medical tent. He pulled back the tent''s flap and was immediately washed in the strong smell of herbs. Silas coughed, trying to clear his throatof the strong sting.


    "Remus?" He asked through his coughs. He heard rustling at the back of tent and a salt and pepper bearded angel walked towards him.


    "Silas!" He exclaimed, embracing the other angel. Silas rolled his eyes, letting the healer hug him. Once Remus let go, Silas waved a hand in front of his nose.


    "What have you been doing in here?" Remus smiled.


    "Oh, you know me. Dabbling with some herbs here and there." Silas quirked an eyebrow. He knew by dabbling Remus meant misusing.


    "You''re going to kill yourself one day."


    "Probably," Replied Remus, as he sorted through some sage, "but let''s not focus on how I''m going to die. Why are you here?" Remus asked.


    "Oh, you know me. Just getting stabbed by a demon here and there." Silas chuckled. Remus shook his head and patted a stool.


    "Let me see." Silas sat down and again unwrapped the bandage on his leg. He propped his leg up on another stool so that Remus could see his calf. Remus''s face drooped into a large frown. He examined the long cut.


    "How long has it been like this?"


    "Since this morning." Am I repeating myself? Silas cringed as Remus probed the wound.


    "Does that hurt?" Remus asked. Silas bit his lip to stop himself from making a snippy comment.


    "Yes." He answered dryly.


    "Well that''s a good thing." Remus said, standing up.


    "What?"


    "If your wound was numb, we''d be a lot of trouble!" Remus shouted from the back of the tent. Silas looked at the wound silently while he waited for Remus to return. It did look pretty awful. Remus returned with a liquid in a bottle Silas had never seen before.


    "What''s that?"


    "The only cure to this demon poison."


    "What? I thought there was more than one cure for demon poison." Remus didn''t answer, but dropped on some of the antibiotic onto his leg. Silas almost screamed. Remus didn''t mention that the cure was going to make his leg feel like it was on fire, but Remus just continued on like it was no big deal.


    "Not for this one. Akbar''s poison was specially formulated, a nasty formula at that." Silas wasn''t even about to ask Remus how he knew about Akbar''s poison.


    "Most demon inflicted wounds will heal with time and being kept clean."


    "And what if I don''t treat it?" Silas asked skeptically. Remus stared back at him.


    "How would you like choking on your own blood?"

 Update!

    Hey everyone!


    This is not a book update unfrotunately. I am putting My Demons on hold until after Christmas. I have a lot of finals coming up and my van just recently broke down(Yay!). With Christmas around the corner, I don''t have much time for updating right now. Thank you for understanding. I WILL BE BACK!The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    Cloe

 Chapter Twenty-Four

    Tess watched Silas walk away. She noticed he was limping. How long has he been doing that? She thought. Gabriel walking toward her brought her attention back.


    "Where is Silas-"


    "Going?" Gabriel cut her off and she frowned,"It doesn''t matter. What matters now is your training."


    "Okay." Tess said. She backed away and took out her usual sword that she used. She looked at Gabriel, he didn''t have a sword. She wondered if he had a dagger hidden somewhere. Gabriel didn''t look like he would make the first move so Tess lunged at him.She immediately collapsed to her knees as a loud screeching rang through her ears and head. As soon as it came, it was gone.


    "Why did you do that?!" Tess looked at Gabriel.


    "I never said what type of training we were doing." Tess slowly stood up, feeling a little dizzy. Gabriel sure is making a jackass of himself.


    "I heard that." Gabriel said, glaring at her. She put her sword in its sheath.


    "It''s obvious you are lacking in mental powers so that is what you and I shall be practicing." Tess sighed. She didn''t like the sound of this.


    "Now I want you to experience attacking of memories. It is one of the harshest methods demons will use to attack your mind and rend you useless."


    "So I get to practice the hardest method to fight demons?"


    "War is approaching Tess, you have no choice." Gabriel said, his gaze more serious than she had seen before. Gabriel narrowed his gaze in concentration. Tess slowly felt a prickling pain at the base of her skull. Words of conversation between her and Levi became warped; it rang in her ears until blurred sounds repeated themselves, driving her crazy.


    "Stop!" Tess growled, slamming her hands over her ears. Gabriel didn''t stop though as the ringing intensified.


    "Stop it yourself!" He shouted. Tess concentrated all the energy she had at the base of her skull. The ringing vanished and Tess looked at Gabriel.


    "That was easy." Gabriel laughed, making Tess frown.


    "That''s not even close to the strength a demon can use." Tess''s face fell. It could be worse than that?


    "Demons can manipulate memories to the point of making you want to hurl yourself off a cliff. What I did was just child''s play." Tess refused to be deterred by Gabriel''s doom talking.


    "I''m no child."


    "No indeed." Gabriel smirked a little. He attacked a different memory. Tess tried to force him out like earlier, but the attack didn''t subside. She gritted her teeth and pushed against his seemingly dark forces. It took almost a minute before she had the upper hand and by the time she had gotten him completely out of her mind she and Gabriel were drenched in sweat. Tess didn''t realize the mental combat would exhaust her body. Gabriel didn''t give her much time to catch her breath though, as he attacked again, only this time he attacked her memories of Silas. Tess froze up before attacking with force. Gabriel could not see those memories or Silas would be in a lot of trouble. The pain of her attack registered on Gabriel''s face, replaced by determination. He knows I''m hiding something! Tess quickly composed herselfwhile Gabriel pressed harder into the memories. Tess''s limbs began to ache, her energy was sapped. She wouldn''t be able to hold on much longer and Gabriel had no intentions of stopping his attack. Tess felt her knees give up, but they didn''t hit the cold floor. Warms arms lifted her up and Gabriel''s attack stopped. The angel was panting, his wings drooping a little.


    "What are you doing?!" Silas growled at Gabriel. Gabriel stood up straight.


    "Practice is over." The angel stalked out of throneroom, clearly unhappy. Tess buried her head in Silas''s shoulder, the angel had appeared just in time.


    "What was that?" Silas asked quietly.


    "I was defending my memories."


    "So?.."


    "He was attacking the ones about you." Tess said softly. She felt Silas tense.


    "He didn''t see anything." A long sigh came from Silas. Tess gingerly stepped out of Silas''s gentle embrace. Her whole body ached from the fight.


    "He suspects something though." Silas shrugged as if this wasn''t news to him.


    "He has for awhile." Tess nodded, not entirely surprised. Gabriel had a way of just knowing about things. She wondered if he knew more then he seemed to be letting on. Tess looked at Silas and remembered how he had disappeared for awhile.


    "Where did you go earlier?" Tess asked Silas. Silas looked down at her.


    "Gabriel gave me an errand to run." Silas said. Tess pushed him against a pillar, a little of her frustration and exhaustion showing. She grabbed the lump out of his pocket that she had felt when he had embraced her moments before.


    "Is that so?" Silas looked at her in shock and she crossed her arms, gesturing with her hand for an explanation.


    "What was that for?" He asked,


    "Silas, honestly, I''m not stupid. Now what is this?" Tess asked, looking at the bottle. It had no inscription to give away what it was. Silas ran a hand over his hair, obviously still upset that she had shoved him.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.??"It''s nothing." His voice was quiet.


    "Is it?" Tess held it away from her like she was going to drop it. Silas scrambled to grab it. The expression on his face gave away the importance. Tess brought it back towards her body and looked at him, her expression blank. Silas sighed.


    "It''s a tonic," Tess frowned.


    "What do you need a tonic for?" Silas''s eyes dropped down, "Your leg..." Tess whispered, she felt anger bubble up inside of her.


    "You said it was healed." She growled. Silas glanced at her nervously, he had obviously not intended on letting her know about the injury.


    "Silas, how bad is it?" Tess asked, trying to keep an even tone.


    "Not good, but it should be fine with the help of the tonic." He said, taking it out of her hands gingerly. Tess was still angry with him for lieing to her.


    "Silas, you can''t keep secrets from me like that." Silas shook his head, determined.


    "I didn''t need you worrying about me, not with the battle coming up who knows when." Silas looked at her, a sadness glimmered in her reflected images. Tess rubbed her forehead.


    "Silas, you not going to prevent me worrying about you by lying, okay?" Silas grabbed her hand.


    "I''m sorry." He apologized. Tess stared at his hand for moment.


    "Just don''t do it again." She said quietly.


    "I won''t." He promised. The unsure thought came to Tess''s head even though she didn''t want it to. Would he?


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


    Tess scrambled around the kitchen. She swore she had put that spell book somewhere in here. She had been studying it the past week.


    "Need this?" Her fathers low voice came from the doorway. Tess jumped and turned around. Christian stood there, holding the book out to her. Tess look it gingerly. The worn leather soft in her hands. Christian looked around the kitchen, raising an eyebrow.


    "So where''s your pet?" He asked. Tess set the book on the table.


    "Silas is not my pet and you know that." Silas and Tess had been spending a majority of their time together, but it was where people couldn''t watch them. What good did it do to like each other, if other people would try to separate you constantly? Christian sat down at the table.


    "Excuse me, the the golden eyed puffball." Tess laughed. Things between her father and her had smoothed out a bit over the last few weeks.


    "He had somewhere to go, he should be back soon though." Tess sat down across from her father.


    "Oh joy." Her father said quietly. Tess looked at him.


    "Couldn''t you two just get along for like five seconds? It drives me crazy when you two are together. I''m afraid the whole house is going to go up in flames with the hate you twohave for each other." Christian smirked.


    "Silas and I have as much a chance at getting along as you do marrying Caspian." As if on cue, the cat walked into the kitchen with an inquisitive meow. Tess picked him up, setting him in her lap. Caspian squirmed out and scampered over her father, purring. Traitor... She glared at him.


    "But why? You''re a fallen angel, he''s an angel. Good we all know and lets move on." Christian shook his head.


    "I''m afraid it''s not that easy Tess. Angels are instilled with a certain pride for their work. Fallen angels are almost as repulsive as demons."


    "So much pride..." Tess said, looking around the room.


    "It is our greatest ally and ourbiggest downfall." Her father said. Tess glanced back at him.


    "Silas also doesn''t like me because he knows that he is meddling with the angelic laws and I can see it." Christian said.


    "How?" Tess asked, although she knew of more then one way he had broken it.


    "Do you not see the way he looks at you?" Christian said. Tess looked down at her palms.


    "There are some glances..." Christian laughed.


    "Tess, you have become the center of his world," Tess froze, the statement hitting deep within her, "Tess, he loves you more than any heavenly or earthly thing." Christian looked her in the eyes. Tess slammed her hands over her ears, not wanting to hear anymore. She pushed back from the table, her chair making an awful shrieking noise.


    "Tessie-" Tess didn''t stick around for him to finish his statement. She fled to her bedroom, slamming the door. It''s not possible...he can''t. Tess raked her fingers through her hair.


    "What have I done..."


    "Tess?" She looked up, noticing Silas standing there.


    "Yes?" She asked, standing up straighter. She wondered how long he had been waiting there.


    "You okay?" Silas asked. His golden eyes reflected the concern that was in his tone. Tess walked over to him, giving him a hug so he could not see her eyes.


    "I''m fine." She whispered.

 Another Update

    Hey guys!


    I know everyone is probably tired of seeing these, but I felt this needed to be posted as a chapter instead of a note. Due to a recent illness after Christmas that I''m still recovering from and the starting of my college courses again, My Demons will be updated on a bi-weekly basis starting next weekend. I have another book that needs updated or else this would be a weekly basis. I do not have much time during the week to post chapters and I feel that this is a better choice. I thank you all for understanding and reading my book.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    Cloe

 Chapter Twenty-Five

    Silas walked down the street with Tess, fingers interlocked with hers. He had told her he wanted to do something humans did. She said they went shopping at malls and other things that made little sense to him. So here they were at the mall. They had been to other stores earlier and Dairy Queen, the sun had already set as 8 o''clock rolled by. Tess was pointing out some things to him along the way. He was happy to hear her talk. Last night she had said she was fine, but barely said a word to him for the rest of the day. He looked down, Tess was smiling and seemed more at ease then she had in awhile. She had let him steal a couple of kisses too throughout their evening. They popped into a clothing store. The manager looked up at them. He was tall with black-dyed hair.


    "Hello." He called in a friendly voice. Tess waved and Silas noticed that the manager was closing the cash register and seemed to be locking it up.


    "Are you closing soon?" Tess asked.


    "Yes, but take as much time as you need." He told them. Tess nodded and dragged Silas over to the hats. Silas gave her a questioning look as she plopped one on his head. She slapped a hand over her mouth, containing a giggle.


    "What?" Silas looked in the mirror. He chuckled. He did look pretty silly. He grabbed one hat, setting it on Tess''s head. She winked and tipped it at him, making them both laugh. Silas grabbed both of their hats and set them back on the shelves. They both jumped suddenly, hearing a slam. The manager had brought the door down over the store entrance.


    "Umm, Sir?" Tess asked. Silas stiffened. How could he have not sensed this?


    "Tess, get behind me." He growled.


    "Wha-" Tess''s question turned into a shriek as the managers eyes melted into black. A demon, of course. Silas mentally kicked himself for not being more careful.


    "What do you want?" Silas growled, pushing Tess behind him. She clung onto him. The demon cackled.


    "The girl, Akbar sent us."


    "Us?" Silas asked. He heard a laugh as a demon appeared out of a dressing room.


    "Silas, there''s two of them." Tess whispered.


    "Thanks for the update." He said to Tess. He took a step away from her. He held his arms out, his wings appearing as his pure angel form came forward, the blue aura began to surround his skin. His sword morphed into shape by his side.


    "Tess, do you have that dagger on you?" He asked. Tess pulled it out of it''s sheath, hidden under her shirt.


    "Good, you might need it." He could see the fear in Tess''s eyes.


    "Enough talk." the demon manager growled and lunged at Silas. Silas blocked, driving the demon back just as the second one swung at him. Tess scrambled away to Silas''s relief, he really didn''t want her fighting. The demon smiled when their blades collided and slid away beside his friend who was getting up.


    "You may be good angel, but you can''t fight two at one time." Silas smirked slyly.


    "Try me." Both demons rushed him and he jumped back, fluttering onto a dress holder. Now he had the higher ground. The demons hissed at him in frustration and hate, the pure rage in their eyes could be seen easily. One swung his sword straight at Silas''s legs. Silas jumped down on the blade and swung his at the demon. He didn''t notice the second demon morphing into his truly demonic form. The demon yanked his sword out from under Silas''s feet, unbalancing the angel.


    "Silas!" He heard Tess scream and whirled around, the whooshing beside his ear was unmistakable. He had just missed getting stabbed by a demon''s blade. Silas jumped off the stand, knowing that both demons would take advantage of his surprise. He blocked both swings at him.


    Glad only the one of them is in their true form. The other demon might as well have read his thought as the black wings grew out of his back. He paused, waiting for them to move. The odds weren''t on his side anymore. The demons grinned.


    "Give up pretty boy." The once manager hissed. The buzzing started at the base of his skull, images of Tess flashed in his head.


    "No!" Silas yelled in protest, he dropped his sword, concentrating on fighting off the mental attack. The other demon grinned, knowing Silas would be too preoccupied to defend himself. Silas watched as the demon came closer to him, the tip of his dagger flashed as deadly as its color. Silas panicked, he couldn''t falter in his concentration of fending off the demon''s memory attack or the demon would drive him insane, but this meant he was going to have to stand here and get impaled. He couldn''t die, not today.


    "Lumen!" The demon who was attacking Silas''s mindflew backward into a clothing rack, breaking the torture he had put into Silas''s head. Silas glanced to his right. Tess stood there, her grey eyes flashed with an anger he had never seen before. A ball of light disintegrated in her hand. She reached out her palm, pointing it at the demons shocked friend.


    "Absens de ego!" The demon flew across the room, pushed by an unseen force, Tess had thrown him hard.He hit the wall with an unsoundly bang.Silas watched as the demon''s eyes flicked back to normal. Tess had killed him. She showed no regretwhen she turned to Silas, the rage in her gaze seemed to soften at seeing Silas in one piece. The second demon scrambled out of the pile of clothing.


    "You speak vile things girl." He growled and lunged at her. Silas scrambled to get to the demon, but he didn''t need to. The demon''s steps halted. He shrieked in pain as the ivory handle stuck out of his body, wedged in between the flesh of two ribs. Tess straightened as the demon fell to his knees. He glared at her.


    "Naliak, one week." He hissed. Tess''s brow furrowed in confusion. Silas froze.


    "What did you say?!" He demanded. The demon looked at him.


    "Naliak, one week. The girls life will be taken by Akbar himself."


    "Vermin!" Silas shouted and with that the demon no longer had a head. Tess looked at his dead body.


    "Naliak?" She asked. Silas grabbed her arm.


    "No time to explain, we must get to Gabriel quickly." Tess nodded and pulled her dagger out of the demon''s chest. Silas looked around the room, no one would know what had occurred here, except Tess and him. They went out the back door, Tess knocking out the alert system with a bit of fire. Tess got ready to prepare her flying spell butSilas grabbed her quickly, pulling her close to his chest.


    "No time for that." He said as she looked at him inconfusion.


    "Hold on." He warned and launched off of the ground. He felt Tess''s arms tighten around him in a death grip. He flew hard and fast, making it to the heaven''s in the blink of an eye. He stepped onto the gold street gently. He looked down at Tess. He hair was windblown and her cheeks were red from the bite of the cold wind, but she was fine. He grabbed her hand, racing to the throne room. Silas didn''t stop at the doors, he just flung them open in a single thrust. They slammed back against the wall and Gabriel looked up from the table where a scroll and other angels were gathered. Anger flared in the older angels eyes.


    If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.??"Silas, you better have good reason for bursting into the throne room without summons, much less during a serious meeting!" Gabriel slammed his fist against the table, showing his frustration. Tess jumped. The advisers that stood around Gabriel looked shocked. Silas wasn''t sure if it was because he had burst into the throne room or the fact that he had brought a human with him.


    "I know where the battle is going to be." Silas breathed out. Gabriel''s anger diminished completely. He looked at the angels gathered around the scroll.


    "We will continue this later." He said curtly, dismissing them. Some of them grumbled, but respectfully stepped away with bows. Gabriel waved Silas and Tess over, rolling up the scroll he had been studying. He handed it to a young angel standing at his left, telling him to take it back to the library. Turning to Tess and Silas, he nodded.


    "Where is it to be then?" He asked.


    "Naliak, in a week." Silas said. Gabriel looked at him.


    "How do you know this?"


    "We ran into a couple of demons at the mall. One of them said this before he died." Gabriel raised an eyebrow.


    "You were at the mall?" Silas rolled his eyes.


    "That''s not important." Gabriel gave the look of "okay..."before addressingTess.


    "Did you kill them?" She nodded.


    "How brave of you." Gabriel said before grabbing a scroll that seemed to appear out of thin air. He rolled it onto the table. Silas knew what it was, a map of the world. But not just a map of the world, a map of hidden islands concealed with angelic powers.


    "What''s this?" Tess asked, running her finger along a worn edge.


    "It''s a map." Gabriel said as his eyes searched the old parchment. Tess shook her head.


    "That''s not possible. What are all these islands?" She pointed to one south of Australia.


    "Those," Gabriel started, "are the angelic and demonic islands. They are concealed to the human eye, just like this place."


    "They provide quick travel for the angels or somewhere to hide for demons." Silas added.


    "And this," Gabriel dragged his finger across the map to an island between North America and Europe, "is Naliak." Tess looked confused.


    "So why pick there to fight?" Tess asked.


    "See how it''s between Europe and the US?" Silas said, "It''s strategic, plus Naliak is different from most islands." Tess looked at the island closely.


    "How?"


    "It looks like a barren wasteland but underneath the ground, there are a series of tunnels that lead just about anywhere in the world. The island itself has a magic to it. If you want to go somewhere, it will show the place. If you want to know the future, the island will show you, if it chooses." Gabriel explained.


    "That sounds tempting." Tess said, her eyes glistened with curiosity.


    "That''s why the demons want it. The island has been in the angels possession for centuries. There have been numerous wars for the island, but the demons have always lost." Silas cringed, thinking of the many angels that had died in the bloody wars.


    "So if they win this upcoming battle they will get the island too?" Tess asked. Gabriel nodded gravely.


    "That''s why we can''t lose, if demons gain control of that island they will bring despair across the world." Gabriel sighed and began pacing the floor.


    "A week to prepare for war. That is not near enough time, but we have no choice."


    "Akbar will be no match for an angelic for army." Silas said. Gabriel straightened.


    "You underestimate Akbar''s ability. There''s a reason he controls legions." Silas didn''t want to believe Akbar was so powerful.


    "I want Tess in training everyday up until the battle." Silas frowned.


    "Isn''t that a little much for her body to handle?"


    "We have no other choice, unfortunately war doesn''t care about someones skill level." Gabriel said firmly.


    "Plus I think I will be fine." Tess looked at Silas, her grey eyes soft. Silas wished he could kiss her right now.


    "I will organize the armies." Gabriel folded up his map.


    "Akbar has no idea what he is in for." The older angel said, he dismissed them quietly, retreating to a room. Silas and Tess walked out of the throne room. Silas stopped and leaned against a pillar, watchingTess lean against one across from him. She seemed to be lost in thought.


    "Tess?" Silas asked. She looked up at him.


    "Yeah?"


    "You okay?" Silas asked gently. Tess debated her answer.


    "Just worried, I guess."


    "Why''s that?" Silas tilted his head, searching her eyes. Tess sighed.


    "It took that attack on us today at the mall for me to realize how real all of this is." She gestured to everything around her, "How close the battle is." She said quieter. Silas walked over to her, checking to see if anyone was watching. Not seeing anyone, he grabbed her hands.


    "I won''t let anything happen to you during that battle." Silas swore. Tess let out a sigh, looking from their interlocked fingers to Silas''s face.


    "I know, that''s the problem." Silas felt his confidence waver a little.


    "What do you mean?" He whispered.


    "I can''t lose you." She dropped her eyes. Silas felt his skin grow warm. He lifted her chin so she would have to look at him.


    "You won''t."


    "Beautiful!" Silas looked up to see Diana standing there and applauding them.He frowned.


    "Would it inconvenience you to stay away from me for an extended period of time?" He asked.


    "You should be happy it was me walking by and not someone else." Diana reminded them. Silas shook his head.


    "Excuse me for being ungrateful." Diana stuck her tongue out and turned to Tess.


    "Hey, if this jerk doesn''t keep you protected in battle, yell for me." Diana winked and walked away. Tess giggled.


    "It''s not even funny."


    "Maybe just a little." Tess smiled.

 Chapter Twenty-Six

    Tess''s body dripped in sweat as more energy left her. Silas''s body flew backward.


    "Conserve your energy." Gabriel warned. Tess stood up straighter. For about twenty minutes she had been practicing fighting without the use of spells. The whole exercise was draining any energy she had left. Today was Wednesday. The battle was in three days. Tess was more nervous then she had ever been before. Everyday seemed to be an impending doom. She could sense it when she looked at the angels and Gabriel was beginning to have a shorter temper. She looked back at Silas as he got off the ground.


    "Concentrate on a way to attack your enemies with just the right amount of energy. Pull energy from things around you if you must." Silas looked at Tess and she knew he could sense her weariness in practicing every single day until the battle. Tess hadn''t been sleeping well either. Visions of death and darkness haunted her in the sleeping and waking hours.


    "Maybe we should take a break." Silas said quietly to Gabriel. Gabriel looked at Tess.


    "Fine, we can''t expect humans to have stamina compared to ours." He said and dismissed her. Tess glared and took a step forward, but Silas was at her side.


    "Don''t take it personally Tess. He''s under a lot of stress." Tess uncurled her fists.


    "I know, but it''s still annoying," She sighed and wiped the sweat off her forehead, "I don''t know how much longer I can take this." Tess complained. Silas elbowed her.


    "You managed to knock me on my butt, I think you are doing all right." Tess laughed, but she hadn''t missed the nervousness in Silas''s voice too. She wished she could see his thoughts, but even if she tried with her powers, he would block her out. He had done that a couple of times, like he was afraid of what she would see. She was afraid to ask him, something that had never occurred up until this week. But then again, she didn''t want Silas seeing her thoughts either. Nightmares were always lurking close behind when she slept and they all centered around Silas. Everytime she would get so close to saving him before Akbar would end his life with a fatal stab. She never told Silas though. If he knew, he would never forgive himself for causing the nightmares. Tess had also been thinking about the talk with her father. The more Tess stayed around Silas the more she could see that he was infatuated with her. The way he looked at her, she could see the tenderness in his eyes. Instead of flattered though, Tess was scared. This closeness could effect the battle. Instead of making good choices for the whole of the army, they could both be making choices for each other. That could result in disaster.


    "Tess?" Silas asked. Tess looked up at him, not realizing she had retreated to her own solitary world.


    "I''m fine." Tess reassured him. Silas looked at her, concern obvious.


    "Stop disappearing on me Tessie, it worries me." He whispered so no one else could hear. Tess sighed.


    "I''m sorry."


    "Breaks over!" Gabriel shouted, he threw a sheathed sword at Tess.


    "Now let''s practice with a blade."


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


    Silas sat on Tess''s bed while she returned the Seer''s book to its spot on her dresser. They had been working on simple, but important spells. They were verbal so it didn''t use up any of Tess''s energy, which was good since she would need it tomorrow. It was Thursday night and tomorrow morning the army would be heading out to Naliak. Gabriel wanted to scout the land before the battle Saturday. Silas had never been to Naliak himself, but this was not how he had planned his first visit would go. Silas had been in battles before, but none that were this important. He had tried to keep his thoughts hidden from Tess, not wanting to scare her. He knew more then once she had tried to search his thoughts, but he had blocked her out. She seemed a little hurt, but understanding. She was hiding her thoughts too, which worried him to no end. The upcoming battle was causing strain on their relationship, something Tess and Silas didn''t want. Of course, Gabriel seemed pretty pleased about it. Tess sat back down on the bed with a tired sigh. He could see the dark circles around her eyes. She wasn''t getting much sleep anymore. Even with the use of a sleep-aiding spell she never slept as long as she should have. It was draining her, unlike Silas, who could go days without sleep. He had already done that a couple of times this week. He would watch Tess silently, bidding her to have good dreams instead of nightmares. He had heard her mumble his name last night, but when she woke up she said he wasn''t even in the dream. He wondered if she was lying.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.??"How''s your leg?" Tess asked. Silas rolled up his pant leg, revealing what was left of the injury. The two-inch pale scar was all that could be seen from the previous wound. The tonic had worked amazingly, besides the fact that Silas wanted to hit something every time he put it on.


    "The tonic Remus gave me worked perfectly."


    "That''s good." Tess smiled a little. Silas almost sighed in relief.


    "I wish you would smile more often." He said. Tess exhaled.


    "I''m sorry, it just seems as if there is little to smile about anymore."


    "You being here with me is enough to make me smile." Silas stated and he was being genuine. He was relishing every waking moment with Tess. The angelic law had been pushed to the back of his mind.


    "Silas, I''m scared." Silas looked at her closely.


    "Of what?"


    "Of death." Tess whispered.


    "Tess, you can''t think like that. You are going to live. You are going to restore the world."


    "But what if I can''t?" Tess said, frustrated.


    "You can, I know it. I have never seen anyone like you before, or near as powerful. Akbar will be the one who will have to worry about death." Tess swallowed.


    "I''m not just worried about me." Tess looked at Silas. He could see the storm of emotions flashing through her eyes, "I''m worried about you."


    "You don''t need to worry about me." Silas said and smiled.


    "You know those nightmares I''ve been having?" Tess asked.


    "Yes?"


    "They''ve been about you." Silas''s stomach plummeted.


    "Everytime I get so close to saving you and then Akbar takes you away from me." Tess choked. Silas realized she was on the verge of tears.


    "Silas, I can''t bear to see tomorrow without you." She sobbed. Silas grabbed her face in his hands, his heart aching. He wiped her tears with his thumbs.


    "I know, I love you too." Silas didn''t care about what he had just said. For it was the truth. Tess sniffed, and looked at him.


    "You cannot love me Silas, it is forbidden."


    "I can and I do, Tess. No law can control my heart." He whispered. Tess''s eyes no longer had tears in them. They reflected an emotion she had been holding in for weeks. Love. Tess leaned forward, her lips collided with his and she pulled herself into his lap, lacing her fingers through his hair. Her kiss was urgent, pleading. Silas kissed her quickly, taken by the emotions that suddenly flooded through him. Tess kissed him back fast and quick, but mostly full of passion and an unfulfilled want. Silas let his guard down, bending to her wishes. He wrapped his arms around her, pressing her body as close to his as he could. Kissing her became like breathing. Tess tilted her head up silently and Silas''s lips trailed down her neck softly. He pushed Tess back onto her bedsheets with his body, she gave into his willingly.


    "Silas." She whispered, her voice was trembled with want. Silas grabbed her hand, kissing it''s palm before trailing a length of kisses up her arm. He could smell the lavender soap that she used to wash her skin. The calming smell was now intoxicating. Tess''s skin was feverish and Silas''s senses was getting lost in the passionate haze. The very air seemed to swim with illusion. A loud clang in Tess''s kitchen made them both jump. It seemed to awaken both of them from their heated frenzy. Silas was breathless and he could feel Tess inhaling raggedly too. As his mind began to clear, Silas could feel the entanglement of Tess''s and his legs. He rolled over silently, rolling Tess''s body on top of his. She laid her head on his chest breathing heavily, her skin was warm. Silas took a deep breath, feeling the rawness of his lips when air came into his lungs. They both laid there in complete silence, the realization of what just happened settling over them.


    "I shouldn''t have done that." Tess whispered in apology. Silas let one hand settle in the small of her back where her shirt had come up a little, tracing invisible shapes. He knew what he had done was wrong, but felt closer to Tess then he had been all week. The heat of her skin, the smell of her, her touch. It all seemed like it was just a dream. He was glad it hadn''t gone any further, for Silas knew he would not have been able to stop himself.


    "Don''t apologize." He whispered. Tess stroked his chin.


    "Diana was right, you are a good kisser."

 Chapter Twenty-Seven

    Tess opened her eyes slowly as her alarm went off. Five o''clock in the morning. She wished Gabriel would have picked a better time to head for Naliak. She looked at Silas with a smile. Tess was still laying on his chest, feeling the movement of his body every time he took a breath. It made her smile, she curled in close to him. It didn''t last long, since she needed to get moving. She got up, careful not to wake Silas and walked to her bathroom. As soon as Tess saw her hair in the mirror, she grabbed a brush and rapidly raked through her tangled mess of blonde hair. They had to meet Gabriel at the school at 5:30. She checked the clock in the bathroom, 5:07. She didn''t know why he had picked the school to meet up, but she wasn''t about to question his order. She walked back out of the bathroom and grabbed a shirt, a clean pair of jeans, and a pair of socks. She set the clothing on the bed. She heard Silas sit up and glanced at him.


    "Good morning." She said shyly.


    "Good morning." Silas answered. She felt his lips press against her neck. It gave her chills and it took all of her will not to kiss him back. She quickly grabbed her clothes off of the bed and went into the bathroom to change. The last thing they both needed was a repeat of last night. When she came back out, Silas was sitting on the bed, running a hand through his messed up hair. She glanced at the clock.


    "It''s 5:15, we need to get going." She said quietly. Silas nodded and handed her the Seers book. She was glad he did or she would''ve forgotten. Tess opened her door and peeked around the hallway. The house was dead, which meant her parents were still sleeping. That was a relief, she didn''t need a tearful good-bye from her mother and she could just see her dad giving a nod before she walked out the door.


    "Coast''s clear." She said to Silas, who stood up and followed behind her. They silently moved down the hallway, that was until Caspian found them and began meowing for attention.


    "Dang it cat, shut up." Tess growled in frustration. Caspian hissed and padded away stiffly. Tess noticed Silas stifle a laugh. They made it outside and both of them sighed in relief. Now they just had to get to the school.


    "I can get us there in half the time." Silas told her. She climbed on his back and he took off. The wind lashed cruelly at Tess''s clothing as Silas ran. She closed her eyes as her stomach seemed to jump in her throat. They arrived at the school with plenty of time to spare. Gabriel was there, along with a couple of what seemed like legions of angels. Tess opened her mouth to ask a question, but Gabriel didn''t give her a chance.


    "Don''t worry, they are only visible to you. I cast a cloaking spell around this area." Tess nodded in understanding. She looked around.


    "So whatexactly are wedoing at the school?" She asked.


    "You know the tunnels from Naliak that I talked about?" Tess nodded.


    "Well, there is one that leads here." Gabriel said, "It is concealed from the human eye and from Seers, unless you know they are there." Gabriel turned toward the track and walked to the middle area that was grass. Silas nodded for Tess to follow. She stood beside Gabrielwhile he began to mumble a removal spell. There was a shaking like an earthquake and Tess grabbed Silas''s arm to keep herself from falling. Loud thuds began and the Earth started to collapse. A stairway made of stone was soon revealed, cascading into darkness. Tess gasped in wonder.


    "Eighteen years and I had no idea." Gabriel smiled.


    "Pretty nifty, huh?" He began descending down the stairs. He turned back, holding out a hand for Tess.


    "Welcome to our world."


    ~~~~~~~~


    Tess descended the stairs quietly and looked around. The air was a bit frigid and Tess rubbed her shoulders as she got goosebumps. She stayed close to Silaswhile the armyventured into the long tunnel. Once everyone was in, Gabriel called for a halt. Tess heard the snort of a horse and wondered how they had even gotten it down the steps.


    "Seal the entrance!" Gabriel shouted. Tess grabbed onto Silas again as the ground began shaking violently. There was a loud grinding of stone on stone before they were cloaked in complete darkness. Tess heard footsteps and a small whisper.


    "Lumen..." The cavern became flooded with light as torch''s lit themselves. Gabriel had his hand pressed against the stone wall.


    "Wow." Tess whispered as the long tunnel began to light. She ran her hand along the stone walls. They were covered in drawings. Each of them interact in their own design. Tess came across one covering the wall completely. They werebeautiful black swirls. She knew this art. Tess gabbed her dagger out of its sheath, looking at the handle. The designs matched the ones on the wall. Silas came up beside her.


    "My father made this drawing, before he battled Akbar." Tess looked at the endless swirls.


    "They are amazing." Tess looked over at Silas. He stared at the drawing and for once she saw his emotions crumblewhile he stroked the wall with one hand. There was moisture gathered in his eyes. Tess touched his arm.


    "I miss him, I miss them both." He said quietly. Tess squeezed his hand lightly, Silas smiled at her in a silent thank you. He took one last glance at the wall before continuing forward.


    "How long will it take to get to Naliak?" Tess asked Silas.


    "We will get there at sunset if we''re lucky." Tess groaned, that meant hours walking the tunnel. She looked upwhen she heard clicking of hooves and Gabriel was walking toward her, leading a horse. The horse was pure white and sleek. He held out the reins to Tess and she took them confused.


    "This is Melderick and you will be riding him at the battle, you two need to get to know each other." Tess''s jaw dropped.


    "Are you serious?" Melderick nudged her chest with a soft nicker.


    "Like I said, demons and angels battle olden style, which means you''ll be riding him." He walked away. Tess really didn''t know what to say or do. She yelped when strong arms pushed her up onto the horse.


    "Up you go." Silas said and handed her the horses reins again.


    "You have ridden a horse before right?" He asked.


    "Of course." Tess retorted, urging the horse into a walk to prove her point. She heard Silas laugh. It wasn''t too long before Tess heard aggravated shouts and someone shouting from behind her. She spun Melderick around and saw Diana trotting toward her on a black horse.


    The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.??"Make way!" She shouted in frustration as angels scattered, trying not to get trampled. Diana pulled the black horse up beside Tess''s white one.


    "Easy Leorm." She cooed to the black horse. The male snorted and stomped his feet. Melderick stepped sideways nervously.


    "Nice horse." Tess commented, looking at the jet black stallion. He was definitely built strong and for war.


    "No one else can ride him, but me." Diana smirked. Diana leaned back on the horse. Tess noticed she was riding bareback.


    "So what do you think about of all this?" Diana spread her arms out wide, gesturing to the whole tunnel.


    "It''s cool, but I feel like we still have a long ride. How long have we been down here?"


    "Thirty minutes." Diana laughed and Tess sighed. Diana leaned over close to Tess''s ear.


    "Hey, at least you get to enjoy the view of lover boy here, am I right?" Diana nodded at Silas, who was walking in front of them.


    "Diana!" Tess elbowed the angel playfully. Silas turned around, raising an eyebrow, to which Diana responded with nonchalant whistling. Tess suppressed a giggle and Diana winked at her. Silas turned back around, pretendinglike he didn''t care, but Tess knew he was curious as to what they were talking about. She sighed and watched the army march slowly around her. The rhythmic sound of Melderick''s hooves began to make her drowsy.


    ~~~~~~~~~~


    Tess opened her eyes. She grabbed onto Melderick, forgetting where she was. The horse nickered and Tess sat up, looking around. She hadn''t realized she''d fallen asleep.


    "Good morning sleeping beauty." A voice whispered in her ear. Tess realized Silas was sitting behind her.


    "What are you doing up here?"


    "Couldn''t have you falling off this poor beast in your sleep now could I?" Silas''s breath tickled her ear.


    "What does Gabriel think?" Tess asked.


    "See for yourself." Silas answered. Tess looked at the head of the army and saw Gabriel frowning at them. She laughed.


    "He looks pleased."


    "As bear who just got woken out of hibernation." Silas joked. Tess looked around.


    "Where''s Diana?"


    "Probably off harassing some other poor soul." Silas said, Tess noticed there was a bit of annoyance in his voice.


    "How close are we to the end of the tunnel?" Tess asked.


    "Actually we should be coming out of it soon. You were asleep for a pretty long time." Tess frowned. feeling a bit lazy.


    "Someone should''ve woke me up." She said irritably.


    "No, you need the rest. Besides, you''re cute when you sleep." Silas whispered in her ear. Tess elbowed him in response, taking Melderick''s reins from him. Tess noticed a natural light coming from above them and knew they would be exiting the tunnels soon. She felt Silas swing off behind her. He looked at her expectantly.


    "What?" Tess asked.


    "You can''t ride the horse up the stairs."


    "Oh." Tess got off of Melderick, not realizing how stiff she was from riding. She stumbled, almost falling over, but gained her balance.When they began ascending the the stairs, Tess became aware of how dry the air was. She emerged from the exit and looked around. Naliak was a complete wasteland. There was desert for miles with sparse trees here and there. The setting sun cast an orange glow across the cracked ground. Gabriel stood beside her.


    "We will make camp here, there is a water source a little ways to the East." He pointed and Tess saw the pool of water. She wondered how many there were on the island. She helped set up the tents quickly as the sun continued to disappear. Gabriel had made it clear that Silas would be sleeping far away from her, but there were things Gabriel couldn''t prevent. Tess laid down in her sleeping bag and closed her eyes.


    "Quin ego dissero in tui sensa." She whispered, just loud enough for the spell to work. She waited for a couple seconds before sending her thoughts towards Silas.


    Silas? She waited for an answer.


    Tess? How are you doing this?


    It''s a spell I learned. Remember, the whole Seer thing. She answered. Relief and pleasure washed over her at hearing his voice.


    How nifty. Tess stared at the top of the tent she was in. The tent flap was worn with age, but still kept them sheltered.


    Tess?


    Yes?


    You want to know something? Silas asked, I''m just as scared as you are. Tess tensed.


    Silas I swear-


    Don''t bother telling me not to worry about you, I''m going to, okay. Tess sighed.


    You should focus on staying alive, not on me. Don''t try anything stupid with your angelic essence. Tess warned. There was silence for a couple of seconds.


    How do you know about that?


    Gabriel. Tess smirked. She could almost see Silas''s annoyed look.


    So don''t try using it on me Silas, promise me that.


    I can''t do that. Silas answered.


    Silas, you have to. Promise me. Silence.


    Silas? Silas! Tess sat up and rubbed her forehead as it throbbed. Silas had shattered their connection. Tess laid down again, but she couldn''t sleep. Knowing that Silas never answered her, disturbed all of her thoughts. She needed answers.


    ~~~~~~~~~~


    Tess waited until midnight before inching out of her sleeping bag carefully. She stepped over the angels that slept in the tent with her, including Diana. Tesscrept out of the tent and looked around. She looked to the East, seeing the water shimmer in the moonlight. The island could reveal answers if it wanted to. She needed answers.

 Chapter Twenty-Eight

    Tess walked silently towards the water. It reflected the light of the full moon, providing enoughglow to see where she was going. Once she reached the water, she knelt beside it, looking at her reflection.


    "If you wish for me to see my future, please show it to me now." Tess closed her eyes and whispered, she opened her mind to any being or force on the island. Nothing seemed to happen and she opened her eyes, looking down at her reflection once again. She sighed angrily, but then she noticed her reflection slowly began to change. It gave way to a battle field, she watched figures fighting against each other. Tess realized it the demon and angel army. She could see Diana fighting off a demon, but as hard as she looked, she couldn''t see Silas. Soldiers fell left and right on both sides the stuggle continuing. Suddenly, the images flashed to Tess staring down Akbar. Tess leaned forward as she watched herself. A second later she jumped back in horror and screamed. She scrambled away from the water, the vision fading as quickly as it came. Tess looked around, taking deep breaths, hoping no one had heard her. She looked back at the water, not wanting to accept what she had seen. Tess slowly stood up, her legs wobbling. She looked at the angels camp and her eyes watered.


    I''m sorry Silas...


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


    Tess trudged back to the camp, her heart heavy. She waited untila couple of hours before sunrise, entering the tent she knew Silas was in.


    "Silas." She whispered when she found him. He opened his eyes slowly and when he saw her, his mouthbegan to form a question. Tess put a finger to her lips and gestured for him to follow. She waited outside the tent for Silas, her heart beat loudly.He opened the tent flap and looked at her.


    "What''s wrong-" Tess hit him with the hidden end of a spear and he dropped to the ground, unconscious.


    "I''m sorry." Tess apologized again. She grabbed his arms and legs, dragging him over to where Melderick was waiting. It took a great amount of effort to hoist Silas''s limp body up on Melderick, but Tess was finally able to. She mounted Melderick, holding onto Silas''s limp body whichshe had draped in front of her. She clicked for Melderick to go forward and began riding East, toward the water again. It didn''t take long for her to reach it on horseback and she dismounted quickly, not knowing how much time she had before Silas woke up. She heaved his body off of the saddle and dragged it to a tree she had spotted earlier that night. She began winding a rope around his body and the tree, tieing a firm knot. She stood back, reminding herself that she had no choice.


    "Hic ceruchus mos quasso in aetas ex indigeo." Tess finished the spell just as Silas''s eyes opened. He groaned and she saw his eyes focus on her.


    "Tess?" He said in confusion and hurt. Tess bent down so that she was eye level with him. She saw him struggle against the rope.


    "Tess, what are you doing?" Tess couldn''t hold his gaze for very long.


    "I''m sorry," She whispered, looking at the ground, "I had no choice." Silas looked at her, his eyes blank.


    "Tess, what are you talking about?" Tess looked up at him.


    "Silas, I saw the future. I can''t let you set foot on the battlefield." Silas struggled again.


    "Tess, don''t do this. I need to be there to protect you!" Tess sucked in a breath, trying to hold a flood of tears back.


    "No, I won''t let you." She said. She stroked her fingers through Silas''s hair, looking into his golden eyes. All she could see was pain, but she knew she was doing the right thing.


    "I love you." Tess leaned in and kissed him, hard. She tried to push all her feelings into the kiss, hoping Silas would find some peace in it. A tear slid down her cheek, dripping onto Silas''s skin. She stood up quickly, turning away from him.


    "Tess?"


    Keep walking. She mounted Melderick.


    "Tess, don''t do this to me." Silas pleaded. Tess swung Melderick around and looked down at the angel.


    "I''m so sorry." She turned away, kicking the horse forward.


    "Tess!" Silas screamed and Tess kickedMelderick harder. The wind ripped tears away from her cheeks.


    "TESS!" Silas screamed at the top of his lungs. Tess refused to stop as Melderick thundered towards camp. The sun was rising and the battle would be upon them soon.


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~


    Tess was able to compose herself as she arrived at the make-shift camp. Gabriel was organizing the army. They would be marching to a flat battle ground a couple of miles away. Tess rode up beside Gabriel, who was mounting his horse.


    "Have you seen Silas?" The angel asked.


    "No, why?" Tess asked, trying to sound confused.


    "He hasn''t been seen all morning." Gabriel said as he looked around at the gathering army.


    "He''s probably here somewhere." Tess said, making her tone nonchalant. Gabriel nodded and wheeled his horse around.


    "Look here! We march to the flat lands!" Gabriel said and turned back around. He clicked his horse forward and Tess rode beside him. They were halfway to the flat lands when shouting came from the back of the army. Gabriel ordered a halt and looked back to see what was going on.


    The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.??"You might want to see this." He growled at Tess. Tess turned Melderick around and her jaw dropped. Walking toward the front of the army was her father. Gabriel swing off his horse quickly, displeasure was in his every movement. Tess''s father stopped in front of him.


    "Christian." Gabriel said stiffly.


    "Gabriel." Christian said with a nod. Gabriel looked at Christian.


    "You were supposed to never come here again."


    "You should have wiped my memory then," Christian retorted then looked at Tess, "Plus you didn''t say goodbye before you left."


    "I didn''t want to upset you and mom." Tess rambled out. Gabriel rolled his eyes.


    "Enough with niceties. What are you really here for?" Christian looked at Gabriel.


    "I''m here to fight with you." Tess blinked, but was more surprised when Gabriel laughed.


    "A fallen angel? Fighting in the ranks of angels? How amusing." Christian frowned and Gabriel realized he was serious. Gabriel shook his head.


    "We don''t accept traitors." Gabriel scowled. Christian looked at Tess.


    "Then accept a father looking after his daughter." He said. Tess smiled and ducked her head. Gabriel looked between them before letting out a long sigh.


    "You can fight with us, but remember this: I will be watching you and if you make one wrong move-" Gabriel smirked, his message clear. Christian rolled his eyes.


    "Understood." He mumbled as Gabriel mounted his horse and gave the signal to move again. Tess looked down at her father.


    "What are you doing here?" She asked.


    "Didn''t I just tell Gabriel this?" Her father said, raising an eyebrow. Tess sighed.


    "What about mom?"


    "She is safe at home, I assure you." Tess looked at her father.


    "You do know how dangerous this is, right?" She asked.


    "Remember, I was once an angel. Gabriel should be pleased to have me as an asset." Her father reminded her.


    "So where''s the babysitter?" Her father asked.


    "I don''t know." Tess said, her father looked like he didn''t believe her, but didn''t ask any questions. Tess looked up. The battlefield was drawing near.


    ~~~~~~~~


    Tess watched theangels pull to a halt. Waiting on the horizon was the demon army. Tess gasped as she seemed sucked into their world. She could seeAkbar speaking to his army and Tess realized he must have cast a spell for her to see this.


    "Spare no lives," The demon growled, "Take who you want, but the girl is mine." His eyes locked with hers. Tess gasped as the image shattered.


    "What is it?" Gabriel asked in concern.


    "They are coming. Akbar wants to fight me."


    "He''ll have to get through us first." Gabriel growled. Tess watched as she saw the demon army begin advancing. It didn''t take long for Tess to realize they weren''t just advancing, they were chargingcharging. Gabriel swung to face the angelic army.


    "Today we fight for freedom! We fight for humanity!Today is the day Akbarwill regretever crossing blades with angels!" Gabriel shouted, raising his sword. The army roared back at him with cheers. He turned to Tess.


    "Are you ready?" He asked. Tess drew her sword slowly.


    "Yes." Gabriel nodded.


    "Charge!" He screamed. Tess kickedMelderick forward. Her heartbeat quickened as adrenaline rushed through her veins. Rebellion welled up inside of her. She hated him.Akbar would die today and Silas would be safe. Tess watched as the armies closed in on each other. Time seemed to slow downwhen the two armies clashed. Blood curdling screams split the air and the smell ofblood tainted Tess''s senses. Tess gasped, she wasn''t ready. Tess didn''t have time to think as a demon charged toward her. She slashed with her sword, easily killing him. Melderick charged through the ranks and Tess struck down the demons before her. Blood began to stain her horse''s white coat. Without warning, snakes appeared on the ground below her. Tess knew they were an illusion, but no one could tell Melderick that. He reared and Tess couldn''t hold on. She fell off his back, breaking her fall with a roll. She stood up and looked around. She needed to find Akbar. Another demon charged her and their blades screeched together. Tess kicked him backward and readied her sword. The demon smiled cruelly and charged at her. Tess dodged and slashed his back, but he managed to scratch her arm. Tess yelped in pain. The cut burned, the blade must have been poisoned. The demon screeched and fell to the ground. Tess hesitated with the killing blow, giving the demon time to getup. Before he could swing at her, a sword pierced his back and he crumpled in a heap. Tess looked up and saw Diana flicking blood off her sword.


    "Vile creatures." She complained.


    "Thanks." Tess gasped. Diana nodded grimly and turned back towards the action. Tess looked around and she locked eyes with Akbar. The sight of him sent chills down her spine. He seemed to be challenging her to come get him. Tess grit her teeth togetherand charged toward him.

 Chapter Twenty-Nine

    Silas squirmed against the rope, but it didn''t budge. He slammed his back against the tree in anger. How could Tess have done something like this to him? She seemed so upset when she had left him. She said she had seen the future. It obviously wasn''t good. His head hurt from where Tess had hit him with a spear, he didn''t understand why. Silas looked around, Tess had left his sword just out of reach and he vainly tried to reach for it with his foot. He froze as he heard a branch crack.


    "Who''s there?!" Silas growled. A demon stepped out of the shadows. Silas cursed. Good, he was tied to a tree and now an easy target.


    "Akbar said you would be here." The demon hiss. Silas arched his back, fighting against the ropes. They burned his skin. Tess had put a spell on them.


    "Akbar seems to know a lot these days." Silas answered. The demon cackled and pulled out a dagger. Silas cringed, this was a cowards death. His brothers and sisters were out dying on the battle field while Silas coward before a demon. Silas pulled against his restraints as the demon swung his dagger through the air. To his surprise the ropes seemed to dissolve and Silas rolled, avoiding the deadly dagger. He grabbed his sword and unsheathed it as the demon let out an angry hiss. Silas thrust his sword into the demon. It gagged and fell to the ground. Silas stood up, sighing in relief. He sheathed his sword and spread out his wings. He shot toward the battle field, his thoughts focused on Tess. He needed to see her. He needed to know she was alive.


    ~~~~~


    Silas arrived at the battle field and plunged into the fray. He fought, all the while looking for Tess. Eventually he spotted her. She was looking across the field. Silas followed her gaze and saw that it was locked with Akbar''s. Akbar smirked at Silas.


    I knew you would come. He invaded Silas''s thoughts


    Now you can watch your love die. Silas pushed him out. He watched in horrorwhen Tess charged at Akbar. Silas''s gaze switched to the left as he saw a figure rushing towards Akbar. Silas realized it was Christian. Akbar whirled, locking blades with Tess''s father. Silas watched as they fought. Silas could see the anger in Tess''s fathers eyes as he fought Akbar. Silas realized Christian wasn''t just fighting for the good of the army. He was fighting for Tess. Christian lunged and his blade cut Akbar''s leg. Akbar grinned and raised his hand, it looked like he was gripping something invisible. Christian dropped his blade and struggled against the invisible hand that was choking him. Akbar stepped forward, grabbing Christian''s shoulder as Christian dangled helplessly in front of him. He picked up his dagger and thrust it into Tess''s fathers chest. Silas was nauseous as Christian gagged, his eyes stretched with horror. Akbar let go of Christian, letting his body fall to the ground, a gleam of satisfaction could be seen in his black eyes.


    "DAD!" Tess''s scream split through air.


    ~~~~~~~


    Tess screamed as her father''s body crumpled to the ground. She charged toward him, slashing through any demon that stepped in her way. She raced to her father''s side, dropping her sword as she reached him.


    "Daddy!" She cried, holding his head in her hands. Christian looked up at her. He grabbed her arm before holding her hand.


    "It''s okay." He said. Tess sobbed, holding his hand to her chest.


    "It''ll be okay. daddy." She whispered. Her father shook his head weakly.


    "Take care of your mother." Tess kissed his hand.


    "Daddy, it''ll be okay. Just stay awake." She pleaded. Christian coughed and blood spread across his mouth.


    "Tessie, my beautiful Tessie." Tess sobbed.


    "Don''t leave me daddy." She pleaded. Christian smiled softly.


    "I love you so much." He whispered. Tess put her head on his chest.


    "Don''t leave me." Her tears poured down her face and onto his clothes.


    "You have to win." His voice cracked and he began coughing. Tess sat up.


    "No, dad, don''t leave. I need you."


    "I l-love you, Tessie. I''m so sorry." His eyes drooped closed. His hand went limp in hers.


    "No!" Tess''s body shook, "Dad come back!" She screamed. His dead body gave her no answer. Tess bent down and kissed his forehead.


    "I love you too." Tess sensed movement and saw Silas standing across from her. His eyes reflected her pain. She didn''t know how he got here, but it didn''t matter now. Tess''s father had altered the future she had seen. Tess stood up and turned. Akbar was standing feet away from her, his gaze icy, but smug.


    "Hello Tess." He spoke from within Levi''s body, but Tess knew that Levi was no longer in that body. Tess shook as her rage boiled over. She screamed and thrust her hand out. Akbar crashed backward with a thud. He slowly got up, acting as if the hit didn''t faze him. He smiled.


    "You think a small hit will hurt me?" He thrust both his hands forward and Tess''s feet were ripped away from the ground. She flew backward, crashing into another body. Tess tumbled to her feet, feeling a little shaken, but not hurt.


    If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.??"You killed my father," She hissed, "You will pay with your own blood." She concentrated on her heat, her rage. Fire formed in her hand, and she shot it at Akbar. The demon seemed a bit surprised, but dodged her attack.


    "I see Gabriel taught you how to summon the elements." Akbar said.


    "But can you fight them?" He shot fire back at her. Tess braced herself and pushed the fire away from her face, the heat warmed her skin. She could feel the energy leave her as she countered the attack. Tess glared at him.


    "Lumen!" The light shown away from her palm and Akbar stumbled, blinded. Tess readied another attack.


    "Caliga!" Akbar shouted. Tess gasped as a coldness hit her her abdomen, it traveled up her skin, making it hard to think. Tess stumbled, feeling numb. She looked at Akbar, who was slowly standing up. He glared at her, hate and spite visible.


    "You are foolish to take on a demon." He hissed. Fawn watched him, even angels didn''t have his power. Akbar grinned.


    "Did you believe all Seerswere good?" Tess shouldn''t have been surprised that her foe was a Seer, but somehowshe was. She definitely needed to get rid of him. The ground began to tremble and Tess fought to keep her balance. She focused her mind on a sword lying on the ground, it slowly began quivering. With a yell, Tess shot it at Akbar and the shaking stopped as he dodged it. The blade scraped his shoulder just enough to draw blood. It was enough to enrage him though.


    "I was once like you! Powerful, but niave! The angels make you weak. Join me and have unlimited power!" Tess glared at him.


    "I will never join you!" She screamed as a wind whipped up around both her and Akbar.


    "I see this fight cannot be decided on your knowledge of summoning your powers." Akbar smiled.


    "How well can you protect your mind?" Tess put shields up immediately, but none of her training prepared her for the icy tide that swept through her brain. She was frozen in place as the darkness wound it''s way to her memories. It picked up on her closest one, Silas. She tried to force out the darkness, but it persisted. Silas was there fighting against Akbar. He was protecting Tess as she lay on the ground bleeding. Tess knew what was going to happen before it did. Akbar slammed his knee into Silas''s gut and the angel fell clutching his stomach. Tess screamed his name, tried to crawl to him, but she couldn''t move. Akbar reached down, lifting Silas by the collar of his shirt. Tess screamed again, but Silas couldn''t fight back. Akbar brought out his dagger, bringing it up to Silas''s throat. Tess tried to move with all her might, but pain coursed through her body.


    "You can''t save him." Akbar growled. A wet slicing sound went through the air and Tess''s face was covered in blood.


    "Silas!" She screamed, suddenly able to move. Tess ran to his body as blood gushed out of his throat. He coughed, choking. Tess cried, trying to stop the blood.


    "No!" She watched the light begin to fade from his eyes. Tess felt energy being sapped from her body. Akbar was taking the life out of her by attacking this memory. She was failing to resist.


    "Tess!" The voice echoed through her brain, "Tess, fight back!" Tess looked at Silas''s dieing form.


    "I can''t." She answered. She had to keep Silas alive, he was going to die.


    "You have to. This is all an illusion. He is killing you Tess." It was her father''s voice. Tess froze as sadness turned to anger. Akbar was the one doing this. He was the one trying to take these things from her.


    "You can''t have me!" Tess screamed as her eyes flashed open. She attacked Akbar''s mind with the energy she had left. The demon screeched, collapsing on his knees. He had not expected her to fight back.


    "You will never have me!" Tess jumped onto Akbar. The demon wrestled back. She struggled against him as he flashed his dagger close to her face. He slashed her cheek and Tess screamed as blood ran down her face. Then more pain as he slashed her arm. Tess finally was able to wretch her dagger free from its sheath and stab Akbar in the leg. He screamed and rolled over, giving Tess the advantage to get on top of him. She felt a sharp pain in her gut, but she couldn''t stop as she put the dagger to his throat.


    "Ego adstringo tibi ad abyssus dum longus dum tibi habere aspectus!" Tess shouted and drew her dagger across his throat. Energy was sucked out of her body, leaving her dizzy. Lightning struck in the distance and Akbar screamed. It wasn''t any human scream. It was a scream Tess had never heard before, it turned her blood cold. His blood splashed on her face and a black essence began to dissolve from his body. He looked back at her with horrified eyes as he blanked out of existence. Levi''s body was still, his grey eyes lifeless. Tess let out a long breath before the pain hit her gut again. Tess stood up and turned toward Silas as she pulled the dagger out. She touched the gash with her hand and pulled it away. Blood ran down her fingers, dark and thick, oozing out of the wound. She began to feel dizzy. The world spiraled beneath her and her whole body felt heavy. So this is what death is like. She looked at Silas and saw the horrified look in his eyes. She was going to die.


    "Silas..." She whispered.

 Chapter Thirty

    Silas rushed forward before Tess''s body touched the ground. He pulled her in, pressing a hand down to stop the bleeding from her abdomen. Tess''s eye flickered up to his, but they were already losing their light. He knew she was going to leave him soon. He wanted to hurl himself off a cliff, he had failed in his job.


    "Tessie." He whispered, kissing her forehead. Tess tried to smile, but he knew she was scared.


    "We won." She whispered back.


    "I know we did." Silas said, trying to smile from her sake, but he could see his tears wetting her bloody face, "You saved us." He said. Tess touched his face with sticky fingers, he could see the pain in her eyes. It only hurt Silas deeper, he loved her so much.Silas heard a gasp and he saw Diana turn her head away, burying it in Gabriel''s shoulder. They guardian angel looked at Tess somberly.


    "I love you." Tess whispered. Silas kissed her cheek.


    "I love you too." Tess swallowed as her breaths started coming in quick gasps. Silas felt his heart shatter as he sat there helplessly. She was trying to fight it, butshe couldn''tstop what was happening.


    "Don''t forget me." She pleaded, her eyes were wild with panic as her worst fear was coming true.


    "I won''t, I promise." Silas cried, pulling her close as she struggled to breath. The demon had been right. Akbar had killed her.Tess''s breathing slowed as a sudden peace seemed to settleover her. He noticed Gabriel had whispered something and he mentally thanked the angel for easing her pain. She watched him as if searinghis image into her mind one last time. Silasshook, he couldn''t lose her, not this way.He waited in silence as Tess drew in a raged breath, her last one.She didn''t break his gazewhile her eyes dimmed out. The angels teeth ground together as he watched the one person he loved fade away. He pressed his forhead against hers, hot tears streaming down his cheeks, letting out a cry in anguish.Silas closed her eyes silently and kissed her forehead. Rain broke out as the Earth seemed to weep for Tess. Silas stood up. Gabriel came forward.


    "I''m truly sorry, Silas." The angel whispered. Silas hung his head. He felt skinny arms wrap around him and Diana hugged him.


    "I''m going to miss her so much." Diana whispered, she was shaking too. Silas looked at Gabriel as the angel walked away. The decision was impulsive and unsensible, but Silas would do it all again if he had to.


    "Take my essence." He said quietly. Gabriel whirled around, his eyes stretched wide in a mix of horror and shock.


    "What?!" He demanded.


    "Use my essence to bring her back to life." Silas insisted. Gabriel walked up to Silas.


    "Are you insane?! You give away your essence and you''re giving away all your rights as an angel. It could kill you just extracting the essence!" Silas glanced at Tess''s body, rain poured down her pale lifeless cheeks.


    "I love her, Gabriel. I don''t care what happens, just bring her back to life." Gabriel scowled, obviously struggling with decision.


    "I knew I should have kept you two apart. I have lost too many angels to love." Gabriel sighed in a regretful tone, "If this is what you truly want." Gabriel nodded, giving his consent reluctantly. Silas felt like a weight had been lifted off of him.


    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.??"Kneel down beside her." Silas kneeled, takingTess''s cold hand in his, "Silas, do you resign all of your angelic powers to me, to use as I please?"


    "I do."


    "And do you consent to have all of your powers, including your wings, stripped away. And to be forever condemned by your brethren?" Silas cringed, but he already knew his answer.


    "I do." Gabriel nodded.


    "Then let the process begin." Gabriel said. He began to mumble a strange language only known between him and God. Silas began to feel a small tug in his gut, then it grew into a sickening pain. Soon Silas felt like his whole body was on fire. He screamed as the pain raked through his brain. This was killing him, he needed to focus or he would die. Another wave of pain, another scream. Focus.He closed his eyes as the pain traveled to his back, his wings began to dissolve from his body. This was themost pain hehad ever felt in his life.


    "Gahh!" He cried out loud and bent over, hisface almost hitting the ground. He clutchedTess''s cold hand in his, focusing on her. He thought of her, of her smile. The touch of her lips, her laugh. The pain continued to spiral through him, but it didn''t drain his energy as it did before.He could still live through this. He focused onthe moments when Tess had seemed most happy.Silas groaned as the pain began to fade suddenly. He was dizzy whenhe looked upat Gabriel. The angel held the blue essence in his hands, it glowed, casting a blue shadow on the angels face. He walked over toTess and opened her mouth slightly. He blew the essence out of his hands and into her face. Silas watched silently, praying it would work. Nothing happened at first and Silas shook his head in despair. ThenTess''s eyelids began to flutter and they flashed open. They were no longer grey, they were a deep blue. She gasped as air rushed back into her lungs.


    "Silas..." Silas hugged her,holding her close. Tears of joy had replaced his mournful ones.


    "I told you not to do anything dumb with your essence." Tess whispered. Silas smiled, sweeping her hair away from her face.


    "I never promised." Silas helped her off the ground slowly, even though his body felt as if it would give way any moment. Diana rushed forward and hugged Tess. Tess winced, but smiled.


    "I thought you were gone for good." Diana said quietly.


    "No, dummy here saved my life." Tess managed. Silas knew he wasn''t the only reason Tess was alive. Heturned to Gabriel, the angel''s face was somber. Silas knew it must be hard for him, to lose another angel, but he was thankful. Gabriel had saved Tess''s life.


    "Thank you." Silas said. Gabriel nodded and looked around.


    "Let''s get off this bloody battlefield. The archers have already gone after the lingering demons. It''s over." Silas felt Tess sag against him and he wrapped his arms around her, holding her close.


    "It''s over." She whispered.

 Epilogue

    "Rose, please be careful!" Tess shouted as her daughter raced across the yard after her brother. RoseAnn''s long blonde hair flowed behind her and her carmel colored eyes were full of joy. Tess smiled as she watchedRose''s twin brother, Christian, take off across the yard, running away from his sister. He had thick brown hair and beautiful blue eyes.


    "Caspian, move!" Tess laughedwhen she heard Silas stumble outside. He smiled as soon as Tess came into his sight. It made herduck her head in embarrassment.They had been married for four years now, but he gaze always softened when he looked at her. After the war, it had taken Silas almost a year to get used to being a human. It had taken a year for Silas to pull Tess out of grieving for her father. The war was over, but the memories still haunted her. Silas had forgiven her for tying him to a tree. She had told him how she had seen the future at the pool of water, him getting stabbed and dying.Christian, her father, had altered that vision when he took the stab. Tess glanced at her mother, who sat in the shade watching RoseAnn and Christian, a smile across her face. Today was the twins third birthday and the guests were getting ready to arrive. Tess continued to set up the table she was working on. Silas came to her side.


    "I swear your cat is still trying to kill me."


    "He is just trying to get you to like him." Tess laughed. When Silas and Tess bought their home, she had insisted on taking Caspian with them. Silas smirked.


    "Sure." He watched the twins run around the yard, his eyes brimmed with happiness as he wrapped an arm around Tess''s waist. Tess leaned up and kissed him softly.


    "Eww!" RoseAnn exclaimed, pointing. Silas laughed and turned towards his daughter.


    "You want one?" He asked and chased after her. RoseAnn giggled and ran away. There was a knockat the front door and Tessran to answer it.


    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.??"Hello!" Diana exclaimed, reaching in to hug Tess. Tess smiled, hugging Diana back. She looked down at Diana''s four year old daughter, Raven. She had looked just like her mother with hair as dark as her name. Her brown eyes shown with curiositywhile she looked for RoseAnn.


    "She''s in the back yard." Tess said to the young girl. Raven looked at her mom for permission before taking off, looking for RoseAnn once more. Tess walked with Diana to the back yard. Christian walked over to Diana, smiling.


    "My goodness, you''ve gotten big!" Diana exclaimed. Christian nodded before taking off. Tess watched as he picked a small clover and handed it to Raven. The girl took it, but wrinkled her nose.


    "It smells funny." She complained. Tess laughed at the pair. Silas came back over to stand beside Tess.


    "Where is Gad?" He asked, referring to Diana''s husband.


    "He had to fix something on the way here, he should be here-"


    "Hello everyone!" Gad called in greeting. Silas shook the angels hand. Tess was happy that Diana and Gad still visited them, even though it was against the angelic laws.Both of their families had grown very close.


    "Look." Tess whispered to Silas. She pointed to RoseAnn, petals surrounded the young girl, drifting through the air and bidding her to play. RoseAnn giggled with delight.Silas smiled.


    "Gabriel." He said quietly. Tess sighed happily and rested her head against Silas''s chest. She wouldn''t trade what she had for anything in the world. Akbar would no longer be a problem and there could be contentment in her family. The world, even if it was corrupted, seemed to be at peace.

 Authors Note

    Thank you to everyone who has read this. This is the first book I have ever written and I was very undecided on whether to publish it or not. I know it''s not perfect, but I still enjoyed writing it. Thank you for sticking with me, and please message or leave comments to let me know if you have any other questions. I will be glad to answer them all.Special thanks to my sister, Naomi Nolen, for helping edit this book and helping me with some of the plot. You were such a big help! It took me about 7 months to get this book writtenand it was definitely a trying seven months. I experienced writer''s block in about the third month and took a month long break before writing again.I am currently working on another book, but for those of you that really like My Demons I have an announcement.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    My Demons is going to be a sequel!


    After much encouragement from friends, I decided to make this book into a sequel. I am pretty excited to get started on it. My Demons was going to be one book on its own, but when I made the decision to let Tess live in the end (this was a much debated choice), I knew this book needed a sequel. The second book will be from RoseAnn''s prospective as she takes on the new world and her new powers. Once I finish Borderlines (my new book), I will begin writing My Angels.


    Again, thank you to everyone for taking the time to read this. I hope you enjoyed the book.


    Goodbye, for now!

 Latin Dictionary

    This part of the book explains what Tess and anyone else in the book said in Latin. I am doing phrases, not single words.


    "Absens abs ego immunda animus!"- "Away from me unclean spirit!"


    "Adveho ad ego,"-"Come to me,"


    "Creo ego lumen dum aer,"-"Make me light as air,"The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    "Lumen!"-"Light!"


    "Absens de ego!"-"Away from me!"


    "Quin ego dissero in tui sensa,"-"Let me speak in your thoughts,"


    "Hic ceruchus mos quasso in aetas ex indigeo,"-"This rope will break in time of need,"


    "Caliga!"-"Darkness!"


    "Ego adstringo tibi ad abyssus dum longus dum tibi habere aspectus!"-"I bind you to Hell as long as you have sight!"