“Your Grace, Candace,” Demetri calls from behind, and I close my eyes a moment, demanding I center myself before engaging with him.
“Can I help you?” I spin on my heels and take in his comely features.
His dark hair gleams like the blackest night. His tight smile pulls back a notch because in his wicked eyes he believes he’s already bested me.
I’m loath to admit, he may be right.
“If you don’t mind”—he gives a slight bow—“I happened to step onto the water and hear your private musings.”
A small laugh hums through me. “We both know, here in Ahava, all are susceptible to that unfortunate fate. I have no secrets.” I glance down as the water shimmers below my feet, in cool blues and pinks while the water beneath Demetri’s feet darkens like a bruise.
To my left, in the middle of the crystalline lake, sits the rest of the Decision Council. Four crystal thrones lined in the center of the lake with expansive views of paradise in every direction. My home, if you will, and how I adore it.
It’s a splendid day in the heavenlies where the air is scented with calamus and aloe, and the waterfalls spray water like stars. The Elysian Field adjacent to the lake is brimming with a fresh crop of souls by the hour, and Sector Marshall has taken to working the jasper cave at the Transport station to welcome them.
There is so much to do, so much bustle in the heavenlies now that Project Earth is underway.
And I suppose we should enjoy it now, shouldn’t we, Demetri?I give a little wink and he nods, acknowledging the fact he’s still listening in on my private musings.
“It will all be over so very quickly,” I say as a smile of my own drifts to my lips. “What do you want?”
“The Factions.” He folds his hands neatly as if the action afforded him favor with me.
“All five?” I’m only slightly amused. But I am completely surprised he waited this long to ask.
A dark laugh tremors from him. “Yes, well, one does need to build their confidence before approaching Your Grace. You yourself have observed their need for helpmates in the heavenlies.”
Sector Marshall appears on the horizon, floating our way seamlessly as quick as lightning.
“What’s this?” His well-sculpted features rearrange themselves with his own level of amusement. “Greedy for more, are we, Demetri? Aren’t the Fems busy enough tormenting humans and Nephilim alike with your dark presence? I hear there are pockets of civilization attempting to ward you off with garlic.” He takes a moment to glare my way. “You never should have approved their use of fangs.”
I’m quick to wave them both off. “Let’s not stray from the subject at hand. I’ve been meaning to gather the two of you. There is certainly a need for leadership and guidance amongst the Nephilim, and I’m appointing you both to fill those roles. Demetri, you’ll be in charge of the Fems in that capacity.”
“A leadership role.” Sector Marshall chuckles to Demetri. “Your ego must be bursting with joy, I’m sure.” He turns back my way. “And as for me, my lovely lady?” What have you decreed?”
“A leadership position as well.” I nod. “A supreme leader if you will.”
The energy emitting from Demetri darkens to pitch.
Sector Marshall takes a breath. “Tell me what to do, and I’ll do it.”
“Did you hear that?” I ask the nefarious being among us. “His response was in line with acknowledging me as his superior—something I have yet to hear from you. Could you do that, Demetri? Can you acknowledge that I am, in fact, above you?”
His jaw tenses, and his eyes slit to icy coals. “Yes, my lady, I may do whatever you wish.”
My lips cinch. “You may, but you won’t.” My shoulders pull back. “Truth be told, there will always be a power struggle between two of the five Factions. I’m sure you’ve already witnessed the beginnings of it between Celestra and Countenance. At the nexus of their conception I had seen their futures, far into the expanse, and I have determined which of you will be placed where.”
Sector Marshall takes a breath. “Celestra and Countenance. Warring brothers, but only as much as Countenance demands it. They resent Celestra’s beauty and power. Ironic since Countenance has neither. One might go as far as saying, in light of every Faction’s abilities, they are, in fact, the least remarkable of them all.”
I’m quick to nod in agreement. “And that is precisely why I’ve selected you, Sector Marshall, to be paired with Celestra. And you, Demetri, behold your new charges, Countenance. A simpatico union if ever there was one.”
“What?” Demetri slices the air with the word like the hissing of a serpent.
“You heard me.” I tip my head back, stealing a moment to glory in his displeasure. “You asked for all five Factions with boldness, and I gave you an equally bold people to mind. You will be their heavenly host, and you will lead them down the path best chosen. Be aware that the Nephilim hold a special place in both the natural and the ephemeral planes. Celestra and the Counts will decide whether the Sectors or the Fems will hold a position of power since you did not find peace deciding this amongst yourselves. Since the Sectors hold the position of power at the moment, we’ll afford Celestra that right as well. Should Celestra become unseated, then the Sectors will become unseated right alongside them. They will decide your destiny. Not I, not either of you. By their power, by their might, by your nurturing, and perhaps a little of my own, decisions will be made.” I nod to Demetri. “They are the composers of this symphony. You are simply the orchestra.”
The color drains from Demetri’s face as his being ignites a cobalt blue, a sure sign of his displeasure.
“You are the love of my life, Your Grace.” He takes an unsteady step forward. “I will do whatever you wish, however you wish, and in whichever manner pleases you most.” He takes up my hand and kisses it, and that niggling of hope for the two of us sparks within. And just as quickly as it came, it leaves me. A blessing within a blessing.
