A hush falls over the crowd as all eyes are cast toward the blemish among us.
Demetri sharpens his wicked demeanor my way, his own eyes boiling like cauldrons, his anger masked by a thin smile.
“You have no reason to destroy me, my fair maiden. You have my heart, and you choose to squander our love. You’ve destroyed everything that matters already.”
Sector Marshall chuckles. “Must you throw your heart in her face each time she demonstrates her prowess? Admit defeat and move on. You’ve ruined things for yourself as far as she’s concerned. Dare I say, there are other celestial fish you could fool into handing over their affection. Certainly a Fem of your standing could no more than point the finger and your finest pick will come running.”
A light bout of laughter rumbles through the crowd.
It is a dangerous game to prick Demetri’s ego. And Sector Marshall is walking a wax rope over a very hot fire.
Demetri postures toward him, that knowing grin widening by the mile.
“Much like you, Sector, I suppose this is true,” he says. “But unlike you, I do not dawdle in the ordinary. I should enjoy a noble woman of honor, one of staggering beauty, one that I have deemed worthy—and I have found only one.”
A breath of indignation catches in my throat. “Are you suggesting Sector Marshall has far lower standards where love is concerned? That a fine Sector such as himself could not garner a woman such asmyself? I won’t bother to contradict you with words, Demetri. I will do so with action.”
“No,” Demetri roars it out as he stands to his feet. “You will not cavort with this celestial eel. You do realize I absolutely abhor him. This rivalry of ours should not be extended to your chambers. It would not bode well for anyone involved.”
“Sit down.” My voice resonates over the expanse. “You of all people should know I do not adhere to threats, Demetri. That being said, I’m not taking up another lover at this time. Though I find the Sector worthy, I have him in mind for another. Which brings me to my next point. A powerful Celestra will be born, so very close to pure, she shall rule with an iron fist in her pursuit to bring Celestra to victory.” I glance to Demetri. “She shall not be revealed until the appointed time. I’ll provide a decoy or two, and you will be confounded, unable to know which will deposit your people to the ground. One will be the victor and one will be discarded.” I scowl. “I know what you’re thinking. Shall you kill them both? How can you succeed in such a wicked pursuit when my hand is upon one of them?”
Demetri’s features harden a moment before that smile springs back into place.
“My love”—he shakes his head—“death is far too simple. There is no challenge. Where is the pleasure? I shall enjoy trying to discover which is which. And I will do my best to divert her with a clever scheme of my own. Surely the Nephilim are no strangers to passion. It is the sharpest sword, the deadliest toxin when utilized for wickedness. How I delight in the fact our love has blossomed and overflowed to include these marvelous beings into the tapestry of our lives. Pity passion itself has stagnated for us. However, only eternity will tell where our hearts wind up at last. There is still so much time for us to love. Forever has entwined itself around the two of us like a cloak.”
A laugh puffs from me like smoke. “Your imagination is rife with delusions.” The crowd hums with laughter, and I watch as Demetri burns with fury. “Let us proceed with the task at hand. My victor will prevail.”
Demetri rears his head. “Then why fight? Why put my kind through something wholly unnecessary? I think we’ll leave well enough alone and not waste the energy. I’m not above handing my treasures to you, my liege. You are, in fact, my treasure as well.”
“No.” I shake my head. “You misunderstand. My victor will prevail. This is my battle cry. However, the Master has laid out parameters. There shall be a reasonable battle. There shall be a Justice Alliance allocated to watch over the Nephilim, managing their ways and making sure there is no blatant disregard for the war conventions outlined. Should you surrender now, it is your given right. Just know that there is a very high chance that your kind will prevail.”
I look to the faces of the beautiful beings before me. “As you know, there are five Factions—Celestra, Countenance, Noster, Deorsum, and Levatio. They have shared powers of strength and speed, and there are unique talents assigned to each individual Faction as well,” I say. “The weakest of these in powers is Countenance. They are your charges, Demetri. They belong to the Fems. Though they are anemic in power, their numbers are increasing, and soon they will be a majority. Sector Marshall, as you know, you and your kind will have charge over Celestra.
“A powerful people, quality people,” I tell him. “They have the ability to read thoughts through touch, to transcend time. Some are dream walkers, though that power is being phased out. Only a handful will retain the ability by the time our Savior returns. The rest of the Factions are neutral ground and can be used accordingly.
“To review”—I take a breath as I look out at the crowd—“should Celestra rule over the Factions then the Sectors will rule the great majority in the heavenly realm and during the millennial reign. Same goes for the Countenance.”
Rothello nods my way.
“Rothello of the millennium.” I smile warmly over at him. His long dark hair covers his missing eye. His features are cut and comely, his zest for the Almighty unprecedented. “You may speak.”
“And what’s to come of the those who aren’t ruling in the heavenlies?” His features harden. “Should Countenance lose their footing, what becomes of the Fems?”
I set my gaze onto the Falls and their thunderous applause as rainbows blossom from the mist in slow and steady rings.
“Those that lose their footing will be demoted. The Master has another task for them to accomplish. A far less desirable task. Nonetheless, all tasks in service to Him are worthy to be done.”
The crowd gives a riotous cheer.
I nod to both Sector Marshall and Demetri. “I’m certain you have plenty to strategize over. Don’t let me keep you. I will have my eyes on the Nephilim people. As of this moment I am overseeing their comings and goings, their unity, their clashes. But know this.” I look sharply over at Demetri. “I have chosen sides. And I am for Celestra. Though this is anybody’s race, I can and will do what I can to help Celestra prosper. There is no war I have lost, no battle I have ceded. I do not lunge in haste, yet examine the picture as a whole. I will do what is right when I feel it is time. I will move my pieces with great care, after much thought. Be warned. I am not primed to lose, nor will I.” A full breath of fresh Ahava air fills me. “Do as you must do.”
The crowd quickly disperses and rumbles amongst themselves. Demetri shouts for Belshazzar to gather the Fems as a majority of them head toward the Elysian Field.
But Demetri’s jaw tightens as he starts my way.
Sector Marshall reaches me first, and I glide us over to the sandy shores of the crystalline lake.
“Your Grace”—Sector Marshall bows his head as a show of adoration—“what is expected of me, and how can I be of service?” Those crimson flames in his eyes ignite. “We must prevail at any cost. No price is too great. I will give whatever you ask, and then I will give beyond that.”
