The Tree’s Roots
As the parade of trucks and SUVs pulled up to the front of the Bishop house, Adele quickly realized this place was much more than she had originally assumed. She expected a small two-, maybe three-story house in a nice neighborhood, but this was a large estate, the grounds containing towering willow and oak trees, within a fenced-in area, a guard at the front. Looking up at the main building, she saw it was a cabin, but a very extravagant one. In the large windows, she could see a young girl watching them pull up, then she disappeared back into the house.
Adele got out, Maxwell close behind. She took in the surroundings, noticing a wooden swing hanging from a tree in the distance, a fire pit in front of it. There was a calmness to this place that she’d never experienced before. Maxwell stood back, studying her, smiling.
“So, everyone lives here?” she asked Anya, who was pulling a large black duffel bag from the back of the SUV Adele had just gotten out of.
“Not everyone. There are several guest houses on the grounds, but only witches and special guests can actually live here. Bishop Witches who are confirmed on our family tree are always welcome. We take pride in who and what we are, providing a safe haven for our own.” Anya handed Maxwell the bag. “You have much to learn. I hate that you were alone for so long, but Maxwell had been trying to find you. It’s how we met, in fact. Time has a way of making things difficult for people who move around like he and I, but we are usually able to reconnect.”
She hugged Adele’s shoulders, then stuffed her car keys into her pocket as she moved inside, the little girl that had been standing in the window running up to hug her.
“She makes out like we’re old friends, but we’ve barely spoken. If it weren’t about you, it wasn’t at all,” Maxwell grumbled, carrying the large black bag inside.
The day shifted, and evening took over as the backyard was transformed. Arches holding strings of vines, and mason jars containing lit candles were erected over two long dining tables. The pillars of the arches were covered in white sheer fabrics, which were gathered at a peak above them, forming a canopy. Strings of lights were wrapped around the trunks of the trees in the yard. The small pond contained floating lights upon faux lily pads. As the light of the sky faded into nighttime, the atmosphere was calm, comfortable, and chic.
Adele couldn’t believe how much the family had done for her. As she looked upon the scene, she felt truly at home and loved. Maxwell’s hand held hers as they walked around, taking in every detail; burlap strings around mason jars filled with pink lemonade, herbs pinned to the arches to give the place a lovely smell, and even dried lotus seed pods were utilized as décor. As they moved, they passed a small area that seemed to be set up for musicians.
“I wonder what’s going to happen there,” Adele said with a smile.
“I suppose we’re going to just have to wait and see, my dear.” He kissed her temple, squeezing her hand gently.
One by one, people came out from the kitchen, holding platters and trays of food. The smell quickly filled the area and Adele tugged on Maxwell, quickly moving over to see. Some of the items she recognized, but not others. She could tell the difference between the side dishes and the main as they were lined up down the center of the long tables. The food was placed down, then wreaths of flowers and more candles were added between them. It was so beautiful to Adele. Even Maxwell was impressed.
With a clap of her hands, Anya called the family forward. “Everyone! Everyone! Before we begin…” She paused as a flute filled with white champagne was given to her. “Thank you. As I was saying, tonight is a very special occasion. Since the beginning of time, there has been an ongoing event that has brought the family together. Time and time again, from lifetime to lifetime, our beloved mother, Lilith, has lived and passed. Now, for the first time, our beloved father, Maxwell, has succeeded in his mission of saving her.” She paused, smiling. “Many cannot say they believe in a soul mate, but we are witness to the truth. What better thing to say than an entire family and generations came from such a love?
“I would like to thank the staff for providing such a beautiful dinner for us.” She tipped the flute toward the staff who had lined up on the side. “As well as the dinner, we will be hearing the musical sound from Edina. She’s a relative who has come a long distance for tonight. We will also be hearing from several family members who wish to say something to Our Mother and Father.”
Anya looked to the side. A guest waved at her and she gasped. “Also, via the Looking Glass, we have a special guest, and some videos that were recorded by family members who could not be here tonight.”
Adele squeezed Maxwell’s hand, realizing it was a product of her excitement. His jaw clenched and his teeth grit as she began hurting him. Quickly, she took her seat near the head of the table, Anya moving to stand at the end. “This is all so wonderful.” She spoke to her with a smile, not letting go of Maxwell’s hand.
“Oh no, you get to sit here, Maxwell at the other end. You get the positions of importance,” Anya said, gesturing for Maxwell to sit at the other end of the table. She then stepped aside, giving Adele the seat by which she stood.
Adele sat down, Maxwell giving her a kiss on the cheek before moving to his own seat at the other end of the table. The staff moved a large rectangular mirror with a golden rim to a nearby table. The Looking Glass mirror. Anya made her way over and smiled.
“For those of you who’ve never seen one of these, this is a very rare item called a Looking Glass.” Her hand rubbed over the reflective surface, Goodwitch Sofia appearing in it. Her two companion Fairies flew around in the background, playing a game of tag.
“Hello, everyone.” Sofia waved to the large group. She sat outside and beyond the Fairies. Beyond her garden, The Great Oaks stood, entertaining themselves with a game of toss using a large rock. “Hello, my dear Adele and Maxwell.” She smiled, seeing that the two of them were in their proper places. “I wish I could be there to enjoy the meal, but we all know I couldn’t be there in person. I heard the wonderful news, and by luck, I was able to get information on this beautiful Looking Glass. Anya, I see you were able to find it fairly quickly. That’s good, as well.”
“It’s so nice to see you, Sophia!” Adele said, putting her hands together in a clasp.
Anya’s three crows came down and rested on the archway above the tables, squawking at the guests below. She quickly looked up, placing her index finger over her lips to shush them. The birds stopped, continuing to move back and forth, their little eyes taking it all in as their heads tilted from side to side, observing everything.
Maxwell relaxed back in the high-backed chair and smiled. He knew what this meant to her. This was everything Adele needed, to be surrounded by family. He shut his eyes, resting them, still aware and listening to the things around him, sad memories far from his present mind. Although he was very happy for her, he felt very tired and weak. Reopening his eyes could tell the story within him, the weakness and exhaustion beyond the joyous glimmer of the event.
The meal began, and the group filled their plates. Soon, the quiet sounds became happy conversations amongst the beings, silverware clinking in the servers, and a warm atmosphere grew. The children in attendance giggled and added a layer of joy to it all. Adele simply glowed, but she grew concerned for Maxwell, who seemed distracted and tired as he sipped his champagne.
Throughout the rest of the evening, Maxwell continued to grow weaker. He moved slower and was more tired, but he faked smiles and pushed through it to enjoy the music, the dancing, and playing with the children as they chattered. However, as they gathered to listen to the messages, he slouched in the wooden folding chair at Adele’s side. His grasp of her hand grew lighter, but Adele was no longer the only one noticing Maxwell’s behavior and overall demeanor.
“It’s not very well-known,” a raven-haired vampire began as he stood before the seated group, “but the history of the vampires is a very long one. Few know the truth behind it, but there are those who do. The one who changed me into a vampire knew of it and honored me with the name of Hannibal, the Second. We know that Hannibal is the Father of Vampires, and I’ve learned…” He gestured to Adele and Maxwell, “that the first Hannibal was the son of these two before us. I would like to say it’s a great honor to meet the both of you. Though my story with the Bishop Witches began a very long time ago and a lot of pain came from it, I can stand here before you immortal, strong, and humbly honored to say that my name is Hannibal, after your son.” The vampire smiled, and so did Adele and Maxwell.
Neither of them knew the Mongolian Vampire had been named after their child. It seemed the naming was an honorable act, which made them happy. The vampire Hannibal smiled, dipping his head.
“That was beautiful. Thank you,” Adele said as the vampire passed her to take a seat at the end of the front row. Maxwell was unable to hold back and lightly leaned against Adele. Three young blonde witches took their place before the group, holding bunches of flowers in their hands.
“In honor of Great-Grandmother Adele and Great-Grandfather Maxwell, we picked these flowers. We also wanted to say that we’re glad we got to meet you in our lifetime,” the eldest of the three said, then handed Adele the flowers tied together by brown burlap strings.
Adele smiled at the girl, giving her a hug and a pat on the back. “What lovely gifts.”
The girl’s cheeks became fuller as she smiled before moving back to the stage to join the two younger girls.
Turning to Maxwell, Adele patted his knee, showing him the flowers. “They picked these for us.”
Maxwell weakly looked up and smiled. “They’re beautiful, babe,” he said shakily. “Adele, I need to rest. I don’t feel very well.”
Adele nodded, then turned to her left. “Anya, Maxwell isn’t feeling well. He needs to go lie down.”
Adele and Anya stood, Adele, hooking her arm around Maxwell’s left elbow, helping him to his feet. “I must apologize. With everything that has happened, I’ve become extremely tired and must rest.” Maxwell’s words were strong as he gathered himself and stood straight before his family and guests.
Adele slid her arm around his waist and helped him to the guest house they had been given. Anya followed behind them, helping with opening the glass front door. “I’ll be out here waiting for you, Adele.” She nodded and shut the door as the pair moved inside.
Adele helped him to the large pillar post bed, and Maxwell sat down on the thick white comforter. “Thank you.” He smiled up at her with tired eyes. “I’m just so tired.”
She grew worried but didn’t want to dwell and jump to conclusions. She drew back the blankets, then helped him with his boots, jeans, and top. “I’ll be back as soon as I can,” she said, placing his clothing in a pile on a nearby chair. “I can help you then if you still need it.” Being his caregiver was a role that suited her well. Leaning forward, she pressed her lips to his. What was meant as a simple peck grew into something more as his shaky hands moved, holding either side of her face.
Adele moaned into his mouth and found herself sliding into his lap. Hands fell from her face to run down her arms to her hips, drawing her closer. Every touch burned as his fingertips slid underneath the hem of her loose beige dress. “I love you. I always have,” he whispered against her lips. “I want nothing more than to be like this forever with you.”
Her fingers moved through his dark hair, pushing it back from his handsome face. “I want nothing more myself.” Her lips softly touched his. “I never knew love until I met you.”
“You’ve always had it. You just had to see it for yourself.” His lips twisted into a tired grin. Her fingers danced through his hair, then down the side of his jaw. “I want to tell you something and I need you to accept it without question. Do you trust me?”
Nodding, she whispered, “Yes.”
“I do not know when, but a time will come that I’ve been waiting for since my damnation. I do not wish you to mourn it. I want you to celebrate.” He knew she’d understand what he was saying. “This will be a great time for strength. You should not weep for me, my beloved; because you will have to remember this is something I want and need.”
She understood. Her forehead touched his, but words failed her. Her chest rose and fell, her arms wrapping around his neck, hugging him. He trusted that her bravery and strength would be enough to get her through what was coming. Both of them deeply hoped the time was later rather than sooner, giving them time together as a couple, but things sometimes happened when they were supposed to, like a chain of events.
Slowly, Maxwell drew Adele away from him, brushing his thumb over her cheek. “I want to know. I want to hear you say that you understand what happened all that time ago was wrong.”
Adele looked down, briefly shutting her eyes before opening them again. “We broke the rules. Despite being fueled by love, we broke cardinal rules. We were never meant to have children. The children we had, although beautiful and loved, were never meant to be and they suffered just from being born.” She paused, frowning. Her own words cut her deeply. “I hope they don’t hate us.”
Maxwell lovingly pushed a strand of her hair behind her ear. “I know it sounds strange, but humans and angels aren’t meant to conceive because the souls created couldn’t be contained within the flesh and bones of a human. We brought things into this world that weren’t meant to be.”
She nodded. “I do have a question.”
“Anything. What are you curious about?”
“Adam. What was so wrong with him? Don’t get me wrong. I feel that draw to you, and it’s indescribable, but what was it about the first man that I wasn’t okay with? I was made alongside him, wasn’t I?” She pulled away, sitting next to him. “What did he do that I didn’t like?”
He turned, bending his leg on the bed between them. He shut his eyes and inhaled slowly. “I’m not sure if this will work.” She watched his right hand rise up, his index and middle fingers softly touching between her eyebrows, and he closed his eyes. He was trying to show her the image within his mind, letting her see the movie-like memories that had played throughout his existence.
Adele’s eyes shut, and she began seeing images, memories being shown as if they were her own. A voice said, “You can’t do that.” She was braiding vines for rope next to a bonfire. She looked up and saw the first man, Adam, standing above her. “If we were meant to do that, we would’ve been told.”
“But Maxziel said this can help,” she explained, showing Adam as she tugged the vine rope repeatedly. “It will help when we build or haul things.”
She then saw Adam in a moment she’d never know on her own because she wasn’t in it. He was sitting at the base of a tree, tearing a piece of grass apart. “Mother, Father, I’m fearful. Lilith is so strong-willed and headstrong, I’m afraid she will fall into corruption. How can I help her? Should I do as she does, let her teach me as the angel teaches her?” Adam’s voice was full of concern as he stared up at a cloudy sky, awaiting the voice of God for an answer. There was no booming voice, just a silent understanding. “I just worry about her. The world is so large and there’s so much she has yet to see. She does not know of all the horrible things yet, of all the scary and dangerous animals I have named.” The wind picked up and Adam’s hair began to move.
“Mother, Father, is it wrong that I do not love her like I think I’m supposed to?”
White flashes swirled with silver fragments as she saw herself alone many times, trying to figure things out, conversations she’d tried to hold with Adam, only for him to walk off in frustration or ignore her. Many scenes came and went between her and Maxwell in his beautiful corporal form. The tears formed. He had always been there for her, teaching her and guiding her. She could understand why she would fall in love with him. Adam was too busy, too fearful, and she could see he felt that she was naïve and a danger to herself.
Feeling Adele becoming upset, Maxwell broke the connection. As soon as his fingers moved away from her, she hid her face in her hands and began crying. He frowned and hugged her to him. “He was just a man, and not all men understand.” His words gave her comfort and she held him, letting her guard down.
With everything they’d gone through, it was nice for her to be able to let the walls crumble down, expose her hidden self, cry without being judged as weak. Her lips met his and all her worries washed away, feeling him, knowing that it was really him. Her Maxwell. Is it possible for an angel to be a soul mate? she wondered, her arms reaching up to encircle his neck, scooting back into his lap.
He smiled, bringing his lips to hers. He welcomed the closeness. He wanted nothing more than to be closer to her. This want gave him a second wind that overruled any ill feelings or tiredness he may have been feeling.
Her fingers grabbed the bottom of his shirt and drew it up and over his head, exposing his torso, his broken wings, and the blood that never stopped weeping from the base of them. Many tattoos adorned his body, and her icy blue eyes took their time taking in his flesh, his muscles, and the scars that wouldn’t heal properly.
“What is this?” she asked, settling on a list of names that seemed to be crossed out. Her fingertip made its way down the list of both female and male names.
“A long time ago, I discovered I could make a compass to find you if I knew your name. These are all the names you have been known as.” His hand rested on the side of her waist as he studied her. “It’s been a very long time,” he added as she read the list to herself. “I ran out of room, so I put your current name on my hand.”
“What can I do to honor you?” she asked. “You’ve done so much for me…for everyone.”
Leaning into her ear, he whispered, “Cleanse me. Anoint me.”
Her lips spread into a smile and she took his hand, leading him into the bathroom. Adele found herself some scissors and began trimming his long, black hair. When it was short enough, she began to shave his head. She cleansed his body of all remaining hair, then helped him into the tub. Above him, she stood, nude, her hips moving slowly from side to side. Maxwell stared up at her with a smile, seeing that her body was almost flawless, having rough scars from the natural healing process. His eyes glanced over her, taking in every inch as her hips swayed before lowering into the large tub with him. On her knees, she moved to little white pots at the edge of the tub and began dripping perfumed oils into the steamy water.
She dipped the tips of her hair into the water and rose up, beginning to bathe him with the red locks. Over his chest and his neck she moved, her eyes slowly closing as she whispered a chant-like prayer over him. “Mother, Father, I cleanse your son. Please, accept his cleansing.” Her lips moved as her eyes slightly opened and she glanced at him. A flicker of gold shined for a moment within her iris, and Maxwell knew something had changed. Her body language spoke volumes as she slithered around, washing him. He relaxed back, stretching his arms on the rim of the garden tub and resting his head back. He adjusted to give his broken, deformed wings room so he could recline comfortably.
Adele’s lips pressed against his flawed chest as her eyes stared at him again. She rested her belly against his pelvis. “I love you. I always have. I just didn’t know how much.”
His hand lifted and gently held the side of her face. “I love you, as well.” His eyes shut, and he sighed softly. He hadn’t been this happy in a very long time.
“Let me…,” she said softly, knowing he’d know what she meant without having to say it.
Maxwell slowly turned around and hung his face in shame as his wings moved. Adele relaxed on her knees behind him and observed his blackened, broken wings. Her delicate fingertips softly touched his flesh. They still bled, so she dripped water over the base of both of them to wash it away. Maxwell could feel what she was doing and appreciated it. She could see that, in places, the roots of lost feathers remained intact. One wing was more ruined than the other, and Adele frowned. She sympathized with him as her fingertip tenderly touched the more ruined wing’s base. Leaning forward, her lips met the skin between the wings, attempting to heal them.
Her mind focused and the healing magic surged through her veins, lighting up the skin and glowing from her fingertips as she touched the wounded bases. Hot and tender, the touches sealed the skin, stopping the blood. He wasn’t sure if the magic would help, but he appreciated the effort on her part. Adele smiled, but Maxwell cringed again as the wounds began to reopen. No amount of magic could heal what God had devised. The skin popped like strings being cut and the blood oozed out, thick and dark.
“I’m so sorry. I thought just maybe…” Adele began washing away the fresh blood. Her hand rested on his shoulder as she cupped the water and let it drip over the wound.
Maxwell’s hand reached up to hers, touching it softly. “I understand and thank you. No one else has ever attempted.”
“There seems to be a bigger gap than before between your flesh and the base. How badly does it hurt now?”
“I can handle it. It is probably because of the attempt. The wound goes all the way down to my bones. Wings are connected to the shoulder bone, so every time my arms move and shoulder flexes, they move.” He paused to turn around and face her. “Didn’t you notice how the angels flew? They push their arms forward and down to get started. That’s how wings begin flight. Then they’re able to move on their own.” He lips stretched into a smile, hoping it hid the new pains so she wouldn’t blame herself. “After the Clash of Angels, I knew of some fallen that couldn’t even move their wings. They were more decorative than anything. They’re very sensitive. That’s why when angels go into battle, they have armor over specific parts, like the boney main spine and the feathers’ tips.”
Adele found the topic of wings fascinating. “I hope they heal one day. Even better would be you getting your wings back.”
“I would love that, but that’s not a hope I indulge in. I miss home, miss being with Mother and Father, miss being in good grace.” He paused a moment. “Grace is what all the light energy that makes up a soul is. Grace is the best way of describing what a demon or those going down a dark path are losing. Kokabiel. He had no grace left.”
“It must be so hard to have lost something like that.” Adele moved, straddling him as he adjusted to face her better.
“It’s a void. Nothing I do will fill it. It’s unbreakable and undeniable. Many of my brothers and sisters have lost their minds because of it, having such an ultimate confirmation taking away. I have nothing to compare it to.” As he spoke, he realized she never knew her parents. She would never understand even if he found the proper words.
Before leaving, Adele helped Maxwell into bed, kissing his cheek before leaving him to rest. He had gone through so much, and she wanted him to get what he needed. Feeling that her family would want her to return to the festivities, she did just that. Going back outside, she found herself caught up in many family stories, meeting many members of the family she didn’t know before. Suddenly, the feeling of being alone was a distant memory.
As a young witch filled her in on all the gossip of who’s dated whom in the past, Anya walked up behind Adele. “May I steal you for a moment?”
Adele turned. “Yes.” She smiled at the young witch, then walked off with Anya, who led her to a small guest house, then through a red door with an elaborate black etched Tree of Life. “Where are we going?”
“I need to show you something.” Anya paused to turn to Adele before pushing a thick heavy curtain to the side. “I know you were without family for a very long time. You are now understanding that you were never alone, but I want you to see this,” Her lips stretched into a smile and her face lit up knowing that Adele would appreciate what she was about to be shown.
Adele moved into the small room adorned with objects of importance, bookshelves with glass doors, and items under glass covers. She took a closer look at a floating bird nest underneath a glass dome containing what appeared to be a living bird, a few eggs within the nest. “This is amazing.”
“It is indeed. This is the legacy of magic you’ve given to your family, to the world.” Anya looked down a moment, then stepped forward. “You understand that without you, the world as we know it wouldn’t have been, right?”
“I don’t understand. How could I have done so much?” Adele’s brows came together in confusion. “I just had babies, I loved, and I died a very long time ago.”
Anya’s fingers ran over the embroidered wall. “Look at this.” She changed the subject, drawing Adele’s attention to the walls. A beige background was covered with detailed branches, every one splintering off into more and more. Looking closer, Adele could see names sewn in gold on each appendage. “This is our family tree. Not all of the names here are those born into the family, but they’re family by blood nonetheless.”
Adele’s fingertips touched the wall, feeling the details. Her fingers ran over a singular name. Thomas Angeloft. “How can they be by blood if not born into it?”
“This world is filled with so much; the possibilities are endless. Don’t think so black or white. We’re on a spectrum. A spectrum can be applied to anything and everything.”
Anya watched Adele walk amongst the family heirlooms and study the family tree. It was like watching a child seeing interesting things for the first time. Anya loved it, loved seeing Adele discovering the family in this way. She leaned back against a bookcase and let the woman come to some realizations.
After Maxwell fell asleep, his dreams were unlike anything he had ever dreamt before. The night sky opened up above him and the clouds began moving as if a spoon stirred them. As they swirled, a circle of bright light opened up. The clouds changed to a dark purple, grey, and black. He felt his body lifting, gravity lightly tugging his limbs backward as he rose. The clouds boomed white with every word as disembodied voices spoke in echoes. “Maxwell, our son, your charge is not finished. You know what must occur if you wish to return.”
The clouds slowly stopped swirling and became still once more, turning into a star-speckled night sky. Maxwell hovered until the sky cleared, then slowly lowered until his feet touched the ground. Tears formed at the corners of his eyes. This was the first time in centuries that he’d heard their voices. Mother, Father, God. Even in a dream, it was almost too much to handle.
His eyes opened, tears falling onto the bed. His grey eyes looked around, finding Adele asleep to his right. A brief smile was squashed by a frown as his eyes focused on the front door of the little house. There stood a familiar figure. Abathar Muzania, the Angel of Death.
Maxwell stood, got dressed, scribbled a note for Adele, then followed Abathar outside, trailing behind him as the angel exited the grounds and went into the woods at the edge of the property. The angel turned and looked at Maxwell, his eyes looking over his younger brother without expression or emotion.
“I dreamt,” Maxwell spoke. “Was that you?”
“It was a message, but not from me. You have done all you have set out to do, so you’re being granted the opportunity that will give all other Fallen a doorway home if they wish to take it.”
Maxwell smiled, feeling proud.
“Too much pride is a sin. You should be careful.” Abathar stepped back, his robe dragging as he did so.
Back in bed, Adele began to shiver, feeling no warmth from Maxwell’s side of the bed, waking because of it. Looking around the dark room, she found only a piece of paper on the pillow. Picking it up, she began to read.
My beautiful Adele,
The time was sooner than we expected. I love you. We will see each other again one day.
Your love,
Maxwell
In the forest, Maxwell stood with Abathar. “I understand what must happen now and I accept it.”
Abathar nodded and stood with his left foot back in a defensive position. From his lower back, he drew forth two black handles. Twisting his wrists, beams of white light grew from them. Long whips continued to grow until they twirled to the ground in a circular pile. Maxwell stepped back, making Abathar smirk. It wasn’t often he could battle. Abathar did his job and enforced it, but this was different. Maxwell was accepting of his fate, but he didn’t want to go out as less than the hero he felt he had become. This seemed like a better ending to his time on Earth than just being pinched out like the wick of a candle.
“Let’s do this,” Maxwell said, staring at the Angel of Death and Judgment.
Abathar raised his arm and, with a crack, brought his right whip down then up, hitting Maxwell in the cheek, cutting him and searing the flesh, drawing first blood. Maxwell ignored the wound on his cheek and the two men slowly walked around each other, studying the other. Above them, the clouds began stirring, moving thunderously in shades of purples and blacks, white around the edges.
Again, Abathar hit the ground with his whip, coming close to catching Maxwell’s foot, but missed, hitting only the back of his boot. Maxwell took the opportunity to jump and came at Abathar. With no shirt to grab, Maxwell went for Abathar’s large metal and gem necklace, tugging it and bashing the angel in the face with his fist, then throwing an elbow to the back of the neck, knocking the angel to his knees. Recovering quickly, Abathar smiled and flicked his left whip, tangling Maxwell’s leg at the knee and pulling him to the ground. He then turned and began dragging Maxwell by the leg.
“You know, I’ve done this since my creation, but nobody has ever managed to actually hit me.” He then turned and tugged the whip, dragging Maxwell closer.
From the backs of the handles of the whips, curved daggers lowered, giving him a deadly edge. “I’m not going to make it easy.”
“Of course, you won’t. I’d not expect less.”
Abathar raised his right hand and swung it down, slapping Maxwell across the chest, cutting through his shirt, wounding the flesh. Again, he struck him, marking him with parallel lines. This time, Maxwell cringed. When the whip came down a third time, he grabbed it, the light of the whip burning his hand and searing his flesh. Maxwell’s jaw clenched at the pain in his hand, the smell of his burning flesh filling the air as he wrapped his hand around more of the whip, slowly gathering it and tugging Abathar closer. Abathar moved, releasing Maxwell’s leg, and rose to smack him, hitting his side as he was drawn in closer.
Abathar put his weight into the whip Maxwell held and pushed the curved edge lower and lower until it touched his chest near the fallen angel’s heart.
“Brother…” Maxwell struggled, but Abathar was too strong and this wasn’t what he had expected. He gasped out as he felt the burn of the dagger plunging into the soft flesh, breaking his breastbone, piercing his heart. Maxwell coughed, forcing blood out of the corners of his mouth. Death was more painful than anything he’d ever known. As his eyes stared up at the swirling, thundering clouds, his thoughts went to Adele, wondering if he’d ever see her again.
“This is not the end,” Abathar said, reassuring Maxwell.
“Mother…” He coughed. “Father… I’ve learned the lessons. I’ve taught the lessons. I’ve fought the good fight.”
As soon as he fell quiet, his veins were set on fire and Abathar moved back, pulling the weapon from his brother’s chest, watching what he’d seen too many times before. Maxwell’s eyes changed, his body glowed from within, and he erupted from the fleshy cage he’d been stuck in for many centuries.
Abathar watched as Maxwell’s light shot toward the swirling clouds. It was no longer dimmed by damnation or sin, but the purest of any angel from Heaven. He smiled. “Go home, brother. Go home.” He watched Maxwell’s soul ascended upward.
Maxwell felt the wind, pure and fresh, blowing his soul upward. All the memories he’d held became crisper, cleaner, and brighter as if he’d just lived them. Higher and higher he was drawn into the white light of Heaven. He turned his face, seeing Abathar standing on the ground, his body still lying there. His organic armor began to crack and crumble, then turned to ash and left an outline on the ground.
“Maxziel.” Disembodied voices called to him. His face turned back, and he listened, hearing them again. “Come home, my child.”
The blinding light forced him to squint. It was hard for him to see as he moved through a white tunnel. He felt warmth and he felt love. What he was experiencing was the death of a mortal. He’d never been through the tunnel before. It was strictly the doorway for humans. As he arrived at the end, he heard, “Father?”
He looked in the direction of the voices, smiling as his chest almost burst with joy. In that moment, he knew his children had not been damned. They had simply gone home.