Page 19 of Protected by the Fallen
I don’t know what to say. Telling Vera my parents abandoned me as baby will raise unanswerable questions. She will wonder why an angel would leave his child clueless, and it will open up the truth of my heritage for her easy discovery. I cannot afford to risk it.
“No, not really,” I aim to sound indifferent. “He wasn’t around much.”
“That’s a shame.” She sounds like she really means it. Then, as she’d done moments ago, Vera shakes away her melancholy and perks up. “Well, I can help you learn things. Any topic of particular interest?”
“The Fall,” I answer immediately. “And when Fallen segregated into Light and Dark.”
I hadn’t realized how curious I am about that particular topic until Vera asked the question. Were all Light Fallen immediately repentant and trying to redeem themselves to get back into Heaven? Or did their motivation gradually change after centuries of walking on Earth? And what about the Dark Fallen? Did the less optimistic group always view hope for redemption as foolish? Or did years of failure facilitate the creation of the hopeless perspective?
Nodding, Vera spins around and heads into the aisle of books. “I know exactly the text for you. This way.”
I hesitate. The guys told me not to venture out of my area. “I think I’ll just wait here.”
“Nonsense.” Vera waves for me to follow her. “The book I am thinking of is kept under lock and key by the librarian. We won’t be able to take it out of the Ancient section. We have to read it there.”
Torn with wanting to learn more about Fallen and the desire to adhere to my soulmates’ instructions, it takes me several seconds before I finally force my feet to move. I rush to catch up with Vera as she turns down another aisle. I pray Adrian and Zeke will not be too mad at me. Vera is their friend’sbashert. I hope that means I can trust her.
Unlike when the Fallen escorted me through the library, Vera avoids stepping into the open walkway located across the center of the library. We twist and turn through the maze of bookshelves, reducing the risk of running into anyone.
For someone so small, Vera moves quickly. I am almost out of breath with trying to keep up with her short, but fast, steps. I inhale, and the smell of aged parchment and leather fills my nostrils. I sigh, content. I absolutely love the smell of books.
We arrive at a sectioned-off area. Shining, gold chains line the perimeter, separating the five aisles from the rest of the library. A podium is placed beside a narrow opening between the chains. Behind it, a Fallen wearing a long, black robe sits on a stool. He leans over the podium, staring intently at something on its surface.
Vera clears her throat. “Master Nate?”
The male looks up. Intelligent, hazel eyes assess Vera. She stands unmoving, waiting for him to address her.
I’m surprised when the Fallen doesn’t spare me a glance. “Yes?”
“My friend and I request access to the Ancient section. We wish to examine The Book of Enoch.”
I know I’ve heard that title before. Was it in Sunday School? It definitely wasn’t in the bible. We were taught all the books of the bible in fifth Sunday school during fifth grade. I would know if Enoch is in the Old or New Testament.
Caught up trying to figure out how I recognize the name, I don’t immediately hear the Fallen ask me a question.
Vera touches my arm. “Veronica?”
I jerk back, alarmed by the unanticipated touch. Vera pulls back and shoots me an apologetic smile. “Sorry. Master Nate asked you a question.”
I turn my attention to the Fallen. Earlier, he’d ignored my presence. Now, I have his undivided attention. His eyes are illuminated with interest, and he wears an odd expression. It’s almost like he… recognizes me. Panic begins to rise. I’m worrying he sees one of my mysterious parents in my features. I am contemplating how to escape the library without outright drawing the attention of any angel within the four walls when Master Nate repeats his initial question, “What is your name, young one?”
“V-Veronica Messenger.”
“Messenger?”
“Yes.” I force myself not to fidget. He is staring. Everything about his demeanor is intense. I imagine the strength of the muscles beneath the black cloak. I wonder what feats he has performed to accomplish the title of “master”. It sounds distinguished. Though he’s tucked away in a library, I suspect he is a Fallen I don’t want to mess with.
“Hm.” The skin between his brows crease. “I am not familiar with that surname.”
Do Fallen have last names? I think of Joseph, also known as Mr. Cohen.
My lips press together. I’d thought the name had been fake. It seems I was wrong.
Fallen angels have well-known last names, and I just identified myself with a name which belongs to my very human adoptive mother and father. If this Fallen is a keeper of records, he will mark the name as foreign.
I want to scream at myself for my stupidity. How many times will I try to blow my secret today?
Vera clears her throat in a delicate manner. Master Nate looks her way, and I see her bestow a charming smile upon him. “May we view The Book of Enoch, Master Nate?” Her lashes flutter, and I realize belatedly she is flirting with the Fallen.
