Page 40 of Protected by the Fallen
“Sarah.” The Light Fallen takes it and raises it to his lips. I deduce he is the leader.
“Thank you for coming,” Sarah says. Her hand returns to her side. “After the events, we know you may be hesitant to stray from the safety of your embassy and safehouses.”
“It is the least we can do to show our appreciation for the Dark Fallen’s help defeating The Darkness,” Maximus returns. Though he says the words evenly, his features alight with genuine gratitude.
“We must all work together and continue to fight The Darkness,” Sarah says, lowering her head, “but your thanks is greatly appreciated.”
Freddy and I stop walking when we are three feet from Adrian and Zeke. Mrs. Hutchins, Sarah, and her guards are in the front. I observe my soulmates and see their backs are stiff. Adrian’s hands open and close into fists. I wonder what angers him.
Careful to keep my attention off my two Light soulmates, I survey the room from a closer position. I know Gabe and Joseph stand to the right of the group. Three males of varying heights are beside them. The black in their hair seems to suck in the candlelight around them. They watch our group with caution, but I see no malice in their eyes. They don’t hate Dark Fallen, but they certainly don’t trust them unconditionally.
Next, two females border the edge of the group, standing closer to Maximus than the others. Unlike the guys, their hair is dark brown. Also, unlike the guys, their attention is locked on their leader. They look fierce, ready to protect Maximus from any threat. Their hard expressions don’t paint them as allies. Maybe Adrian sees the same thing. Perhaps their ready-to-fight demeanor puts him on edge. I make a note to stay away from those two.
“Shall we get down to business so we may rejoin the festivities?” Sarah asks, gesturing to a wooden table with twelve chairs. I hadn’t noticed the furniture. Now that I look, I see this room reminds me of conference rooms at my dad’s hospital, only fancier. Parchment, quill and ink are placed on the long table, one set for every four chairs. The rest of the room is bare, aside from an expensive rug and an additional couch tucked against the wall opposite of the table.
None of the Light Fallen move. I sense, more than see, attention shift to me and Freddy. I keep my eyes on Adrian’s back.
“You’ve brought Nephilim,” Maximus states, though, the words hold a hint of question.
“Loyal Nephilim, I assure you,” Sarah says with a wave of her hand. “I would not allow just anyone to accompany me to this meeting.”
“Who are they?” One of the females asks. I don’t look to see which one.
“None of your concern,” I’m surprised to realize Zeke is the one who answered. He’s normally the polite one.
The room falls silent, and stifling tension begins to accumulate in the air.
“Please, forgive my son,” Sarah says, “His protective instincts are kicking in. You see, one of the Nephilim is hisbashert.” Is it just me, or does she sound gleeful? Did Sarahwantto reveal my existence to Light Fallen? Certainly not. She knows who I am, or ratherwhatI am. Nothing good can come of introducing me to Light Fallen. What is she thinking?
In front of me, both Adrian and Zeke grow rigid. I detect their frustration with their mother. I gather revealing my identity was not part of the plan.
“Abashert?” Maximus’ eyes widen. “Congratulations, Ezekiel.”
“You must also extend your congratulations to Adrian,” Sarah adds with a prideful tone. “The young Nephilim is also hisbashert.” Now I know Sarah planned this. The only question is why?
The Light Fallen gasp and mutter remarks. I don’t bother to try and hear what they’re saying.
Freddy leans close. “You?” he whispers.
I look at him. He’s actually surprised. His mother hadn’t told him that’s why she abducted me from their house.
Knowing whatever I say will be overheard, I remain silent, but I reveal the truth in the slightest dip of my chin.
He releases a breath and mouths the word, “Wow.”
Yeah… wow.
“Will any of your colleagues be joining us?”
“No,” Sarah states. “As I said, I wouldn’t bring just anyone to this meeting.” She is the first to approach the table. She sits at one of the ends, positioning herself with authority.
Adrian turns around and glares at Freddy. With an audible gulp, Freddy releases my arm and steps away. Adrian takes my hand and leads me to the table. Now that Sarah’s outed me as theirbashert, there is no point in keeping his distance.
Zeke sits to his mother’s right. Adrian deposits me in the next chair and claims the following seat for himself. Mrs. Hutchins and Freddy sit across the table.
The Light Fallen take their seats. From the corner of my eye, I see Maximus take the spot at the other end of the table. Joseph and Gabe sit on either side of him. The rest fill in.
Sarah waits for everyone to look her direction before she begins, “Thank you all for agreeing to meet with me. I didn’t wish to interrupt your celebration, but I feel this matter is too important to not take advantage of the opportunity of us being together.”
