Page 81 of The Storm
“It is good to see you.”
The shining note that echoed in Renata’s mind was nothing like a voice, though she knew it came from the angel. It was a pealing bell and an exuberant birdsong. A pure expression of joy so acute it made her eyes water.
Azril spoke to Renata.Thank you for calling me. Your song honors your mother.
“Thank you.”
Max squeezed her hand. “It’s been you in the forest this week, hasn’t it?”
I know the old one waits for me.
“Will you come when he’s ready?” Leo asked.
Of course.Azril began to fade from view.I will always come.
* * *
Leo lay awake that night,staring at the ceiling. His hand rested on Kyra’s belly, and he listened to the rapid heartbeat of the child in her womb. At first the pace of it had frightened him. Then the doctor assured them it was the way all babies’ hearts beat. His child was healthy. According to Azril, his child would have a long and blessed life. Or at least that was what Death had told his mate. And what had he told Leo?
I could not take the children. They were not for me.
So Barak and Azril had saved two children and returned them to half-dead men who raised them without evident love or affection. They had raised warriors who went on to hunt demons and bring down angels.
Leo rolled over and watched Kyra as she slept. Her dark hair splayed over the pillow beside him, and he tucked a piece of it under his cheek, smoothing the silk between his fingers.Reshon. Lover. Mate. Mother. She was all things to him.
Perhaps Barak heard the echo of the Creator’s will in a baby’s cry. By protecting Leo and Max, Barak had saved a life that would eventually connect with his own line.
Your blood mixed with his.
Leo laid his hand on Kyra’s belly again. Barak’s blood. Fallen blood. Forgiven blood. They lived in this tiny child just as Jaron’s blood lived in Malachi and Ava’s children.
Who are we becoming?
Wiser men than Leo had tried to answer that. But maybe it came back to what Barak had believed. A world in balance. Life and death. Dark and light. One life entered the world as another life left it. He pulled Kyra closer as she slept.
“Leo?” she murmured as she tucked her face into his neck. “You all right?”
He took a deep breath and inhaled the sweet frangipani perfume she used in her hair. He ran a hand over her arm, which was growing plump and full as her body prepared for their child. His restlessness fled, and he felt a peace beyond understanding fill his soul.
“I am,” he whispered. “I’m all right.”
Joy could be built on pain, just as good could come from evil.
Leo finally believed that, and he slept.
Epilogue
Artis stayed outside his last night on earth, staring at the stars in a night filled with music and singing. Max played the guitar while Peter played the mandolin. Leo built a fire, and Artis sat in front of it wrapped only in linen, his body in touch with the earth that had held it for so long.
Kyra sat next to him on a cushion Leo had insisted on. She fed small sticks into the fire and watched the smoke rise while Renata sang softly next to Max. She watched Artis turn his face up to the heavens. His soul was drifting before her. His expression was peaceful, and Kyra was glad.
She said, “My father used to tell his children we weren’t at home here. That we had no home. But I don’t think that’s right.”
“No?”
“No, I think we have two homes. One here and one in heaven. Why limit yourself to only one home?”
Artis turned his eyes to Leo and Max. “Do you think they will come back here after I am gone?”
