“Enough,” I whispered.
“Of course, crimes committed through religion aren’t a new thing,” he went on, ignoring the pain shattering my heart. “Open your eyes, daughter. Witness what evil walks the earth even between humans that worship the same God.”
I did as he instructed because he would hold me here until he got his point across. A large field surrounded us on all sides. Thunder erupted from every direction and a minute later, men on horses clashed in a bloody and violent battle while terrified cries from the dying pulsed in the air.
“No more,” I begged.
“Something less recent perhaps, committed not by one community onto another, but between themselves?” My father said through gritted teeth.
The landscape shifted again and we came to a stop among a deafening crowd that screamed with excitement. I looked over the heads in front of me, trying to see what everyone was excited about.
“Can’t see, daughter? Let’s get closer.”
He snatched my hand and in a blink, we were on the dusty ground just as a spear drove through the chest of a gladiator and he hit the deck, blood spraying in an arc. All around us, carnage was ensuing for the entertainment of the masses, and in pride of place sat no other than Caesar himself.
“Enough,” I whispered.
“No, not until I’m sure you will choose differently next time you are faced with a decision between a loved one and the future of all living beings.”
The scene shifted again and we were among a sun-drenched forest. I froze, waiting for the horror to show itself. My father wrapped his hand around my chin and lifted my head to the sky.
Among the trees, hundreds of bodies hung. Children, women, men, nobody was spared. I wasn’t sure what atrocity this was and where in time, but my stomach twisted with unease.
The change was longer this time and when we stopped, it was to a reddened sky littered with angels locked in battle. I recognized my Uncle Lucifer on one side and my father on the other. A single feather floated down in front of my face. I reached out and caught it between my fingers, the blood-soaked tip dripping onto my palm. My legs collapsed and I fell to the floor as a sob broke free.
He moved us once more and the world became quiet. There were no screams, no shouts, no pain or terror. His whispered words of horror had ceased.
“Child, open your eyes,” someone new implored me. A warmth blanketed me and my head rose, finding myself at the edge of a still lake. My head shot up. A thick mist covered the water but a figure was in the center, seemingly floating on the surface.
“Come to me, Cora,” he called.
I lurched to my feet, the water beneath me feeling solid as I began to walk toward him. I got a few steps in and looked down, panic piercing my chest at the deep water below. The surface bowed and then I was swallowed in the icy liquid. I clawed for the surface, but it wouldn’t come.
“Faith lives inside you, Cora. You just have to reach for me and I will always be your guide. When you are ready to accept all that you truly are, you will know you are loved unconditionally without borders.”
I flailed harder as I sank lower and my chest burned with the pressure. My vision darkened and then I hit a wooden floor with a harsh thump. I rolled over onto my side and coughed up the water with a heaving chest. A sob tore free of my throat as I grieved for all the life wasted, sacrificed, and for the faith I’d lost somewhere along the way without realizing it.
“Now do you understand? Perhaps it will give you pause when you forsake all others for the bonds of love and family.”
He disappeared, leaving me alone in a wet puddle. My hand unclasped and in my palm was a feather of the purist white, free of the crimson stain.
The door burst open, hammering against the wall and Hudson ran in with Dave hot on his heels. He scooped me into his arms and squashed me so tightly my ribs creaked. “I couldn’t feel you,” he mumbled into my wet hair. “I’ll kill Lucifer if he keeps taking you to Hell.”
“Not Lucifer, my father,” I whispered.
He leaned back and frowned. “Your father? Why couldn’t I feel you?”
We needed to discuss that a little more closely, because I don’t think sensing if your mate was still of this world was normal. Sure, people got feelings of dread, but Hudson wasn’t simply going on his gut. He knew categorically that I was no longer in this space and time.
“He decided a little show and tell was in order, showcasing some of the worst atrocities known to humankind.”
I neglected to tell him the part where I’d been asked to walk on water, and my faith had faltered.Cora Roberts—queen of ignoring the bigger picture.
Chapter Twenty Four
Let’s take off the mask.
It’s surprising how small my rooms feel when packed with family and friends. Every surface, from my sofas and chairs to the kitchen counter, was being utilized as sitting space. Even Bella was lying on the back of the armchair behind Hudson, her tail curled around his neck. I was left standing in front of everyone.
