Nate smiled. “Later, we’ll fill you in.”
“Just as well you’re both here,” Michael said to Echo and her mate. His attention shifted back to Aba. “You mentioned an angel gave you the symbiotic blood?”
* * *
Ely still couldn’t get over her shock that one of her friends was a biological kin to her mate. Or that Nate had actually aided her recovery.
“Symbionts?” Echo asked, dragging Ely’s mind back. “You mean like Shadow’s?”
Aba nodded. “The angel’s plasma retained a glow through the millennia I had it until I gave Nate the blood to save him from going through a painful change.”
“What?” Echo gasped, her features ashen again.
“It’s okay. I’m good now,” Nate reassured her.
“Exactly how long ago?” Michael asked.
“Humanity was still in its infancy,” Aba said, and the archangel went dead still as if he’d stopped breathing. “I was in this world for a brief period when our paths crossed. I remember him, not only because of the way he cut himself and gave me his blood but because of the tragedy that occurred soon after our meeting.”
“What tragedy?” Ely frowned.
“Hundreds of angels were killed soon after,” Aba said. “It seemed they’d strayed from their Heavenly cause to aid burgeoning humanity, broke their vows, and took on human females as mates.”
Aethan and Echo both appeared as if they’d been tasered. Ely had no idea what was going on. And Nate didn’t either, judging by his frown. But Echo and Aethan had an inkling, given their tense expressions.
“Description?” Michael asked, sounding like he had gravel lodged in his throat.
“Tall and built like a warrior, flowing silver hair and wings to match. No—” Aba’s brow creased. “His wings were white, yes, white with the silver and gold flight feathers…like the ones Nate now possesses.”
Michael pivoted to the French doors and slammed a palm on the doorjamb. He shook his head, staring outside.
“What the hell’s going on, Michael,” Aethan growled.
After several seconds, he turned and faced them, those shattered blues roiling with the power, the silvery fissures flashing like a lightning storm. “Zarias.”
“Zarias?” Echo whispered.
Ely’s gaze bounced between them. She’d heard that name mentioned a time or two. Mostly of Echo grumbling at having to learn about those angels long gone.
Michael’s lips thinned briefly, and he nodded. “Zarias was the leader of the Watchers. Both Nate and Eshana are his descendants. As Aba said, they strayed from their cause. My duty back then was to right the wrongs. It seems he had an insight into their oncoming demise and took steps to ensure his line survived.”
Then Ely recalled hearing the rumor even back on Empyrea about these angels being executed. She’d been a child then and hadn’t paid it much attention.
“But why kill angels for falling in love?” she demanded, shock and anger churning her stomach. “People, no matter what they are, should be free to love whomever they want.”
“Not for those in service to a higher Being.”
“You mean God?” Echo asked.
Michael nodded. “It is the decree. When you deviate from your vows and fall, you lose your wings and powers. The latter started because of the Watchers.”
“What does this mean? Why would this Zarias do that?” Nate asked, his expression grim. “Give his heart’s blood away?”
“Foresight. He was always aware of what could happen,” Michael murmured. “I think I understand now why after I witnessed what you did for Eshana. After all, she is theCurantii, the Healer of the Veils. And while Aethan is her protector and keeps her safe during those times, it seems you are the one who brings her back with healing.”
Aethan’s gaze snapped to him, then he strode across and embraced Nate, startling and pleasing Ely.
“Thank you for what you did and will do,” the warrior said. “These rift healings were slowly killing an important part of her. I feel it more after every ruptured veil she heals. She comes back like a part of her spirit has faded. And this last one was bad.”
