The Palace

The group approached Damien’s castle, their strides all in unison and footfalls heavy against the hard earth beneath their boots.  This was not a friendly visit. Abriella was the point of the spear, her brother on one side, her grandfather on the other.  Directly behind her was Leandre.  There was no one else she would have at her back at such a time as this besides him.  She had almost chosen him to be beside her, rather than Lucifer, but decided that while she could see to her side, she could not see to her rear.

As they drew nearer to the castle, the drawbridge over the chasm that separated the inner keep of the castle from the outlying lands of the greater lands of Imperium, rose.  A smirk formed on the crimson lips of the Queen of the realm as her hands spread out to her sides, parallel to the ground.  All around the four that were marching forward formed a rolling fog of swirling white and black.  At first it was on their perimeter, then it began to weave between their feet. Finally, it started to move forward and in front of them.  As Abriella’s hands began to move forward, the fog descended into the chasm and seemed to fill it, overflowing and building even higher on top of itself.

By the time that Abriella reached the edge of where the chasm should have been, it could no longer be seen.  It was clear that this was not a concern for her.  She didn’t even slow down as she drew near to what should have been a sheer drop off.  Where there should have been certain death, there appeared to be now a firm underpinning to her steps.  The same held true for those who were following behind her.  None were slowed by the drop off that should have been there.  The ethereal fog not only filled, but solidified within the chasm.

The next “obstacle” was as little of one as the previous one had been.  As they approached, once more the group did not slow.  While the drawbridge to the castle was up, Abriella once more did not intend to let the defenses that her uncle was mounting against her hold.  There was a purpose to her visit and she intended to bring it to fruition.  If he had thought that hiding within the weathered stone walls of the castle would prevent her from reaching him and addressing the violence that he had brought to bear against both Kaylin and Asher, he was mistaken.  

One step from the closed wooden gate, Abriella outstretched one hand and as she did, the wooden structure exploded inwards.  The group could hear the clamor of troops reacting to their arrival, but it would be futile.  They would just be running to their death, no one could stand against the Queen of Imperium and Horseman of Death.  She was well and truly pissed and all within the castle would feel her wrath before she left, a warning personally delivered to the ruler within.

One foot in front of the other, puffs of dust coming up as each one impacted the dry earth. All four who were coming for Damien were in step.  All four were in agreement.  All four were going to leave an impression on the regent, an impression he would not soon forget, but one he would not learn from.  For he was unfortunately still lost in his madness, a madness that had consumed him to his core.  It would still serve as a warning to those who served him, it would be to their peril to continue.  To serve him meant death.  There could be no other outcome.

As his forces started to come against the four, it would merely be an outstretching of Abriella’s hand that would fell them in their steps. A draining of the life force that would take them from a living being into a shriveled husk of a being that was a scant reflection of what they had once been. The farther they went into the keep, the more bodies that were left shriveled and misshapen in their wake. Those that witnessed it began to experience a deep seated terror and run.  Few of Damien’s men wanted to come against an adversary that they couldn’t actually fight, but would kill them all the same.  

*****

Damien had been alerted when the first lines of defense fell.  No one had been brave enough to tell him who it was that breached the outer walls, fearing that he would take his agitation out on them. Now as he donned his armor to face the intruders that had dared to think they could come into his castle and face his legions in battle, he was sure that he would own the day and leave his foes bloodied on the field of battle.  He hoped that his daughter and her lowly lover were amongst them so he could slaughter them, as they deserved for the dishonor that they had brought to his house.  

Leaving his quarters and heading towards the bailey, he heard screams coming from his legion.  He wondered what force could be invading, what size of army could have decided to come against him.  Would he have to call his father or his niece to aid him, would they even come?  Had his daughter poisoned them with her lies against him?  It was of no matter, he would slaughter them all.

As Damien walked into the bailey, his eyes widened at the scene that greeted him.  All around were the twisted and shriveled husks of his soldiers.  It was as if the life had been drained from them and they had been mummified as they were in the agony of death.  Who or what could have done such a horrendous thing?  What beast or being had invaded his castle?  He had never seen such an attack in all his years of battle.  As he stood there dumbstruck there was a sliver of fear invading his senses.

“Damien!” Abriella’s voice bounced off the stone walls and echoed across the bailey of the castle. “Take this as a warning that if you come against the Palace of Imperium to try to get to Kaylin or Asher that you will face ME and all of my forces.  I, Abriella, Queen of Imperium and Caligo, Horseman of Death, Grigori of the Source, Daughter of Adriel, Granddaughter of Lucifer, High Nephilim, and Granddaughter of the Divine, have granted her sanctuary within the Palace. DO NOT try me on this uncle, or you shall rue the day that you come against me and my forces.  You will not survive the onslaught of what we will bring to bear against you.  The Horsemen stand ready to defend me and mine.  Consider your next move carefully.”  

As she had been speaking, Damien had turned to look at Abriella.  His eyes wide and mouth slightly agape, he had not even considered it would be her that would have done this to him.  To see Cruz and Lucifer next to her made his blood run cold.  She had the backing of everyone, this would definitely be a fight that he would have to make sure he brought at least one of the Princes with him for.  There was no way he could take her on alone now.  If all four of the Horsemen were in agreement, he would not even be able to breach the Palace gates, let alone get to his daughter or that manwhore of a lover she had taken.  

As he watched Abriella and the three that she had brought with her exit his castle, leaving a swath of death in their wake, a fire of age and resentment burned brightly in his breast. He would make plans.  He would contact Leviathan and.  If Abriella thought that she would deter him from getting his revenge, from getting his victory, she was mistaken.  All she had done was further enrage him and ensure that now she too would feel the sting of sword and the bitter taste of defeat along with his daughter.

“I’m sorry, what did you say?”  Abriella looked up from the book she was reading to try to relax after the excitement that had happened in the last few days with all of her friends showing up, then Kaylin and Asher’s arrival, and finally the commotion with Amaya and Dartan. Adding onto that the visit to her uncle’s castle, and she was just a bundle of nerves with a supernatural migraine. When Mithos had come into her office, she hadn't even heard or noticed him, and when he spoke she was damn sure she had not heard him RIGHT.  

Mithos took a deep breath.  He wasn’t enjoying this, but it was his duty as a Captain of her Royal Guard to inform her of everyone wishing an audience with her as the Sovereign of Imperium. Before he’d come into her office, he’d considered going to Cruz, but the demon had a feeling the reaction he would get would be significantly worse; and it had been Abriella who had been specifically requested.  So, here he was having to deliver the news he was not happy about the least.  “Sorry, I didn’t announce myself.” He breathed out, and braced himself.  “You have a request from Prince Amon for an audience with you, and he is being vouched for by both Arioch and Raguel.”  

Abriella opened her mouth to speak, then she sat up taller and closed her mouth.  So she had heard him right, she thought as her head tipped to the side with her eyes narrowing and lips thinning.  “Did he say the nature of this request?”  There had to be a reason that he’d want to come now.  Now, when there was peace in the realm, but there had been upset in the Palace.

“No, Brie, he did not.  I have my suspicions.” Mithos knew much, but did not want to say too much, in case he was wrong, and revealed the secrets of others where it was not his place.  Abriella’s brows draw together and the look of concern that crossed her face, and it put him in an awkward place.  With what he had been privy to before Abriella ascended to the throne, sometimes he felt conflicted in such circumstances.  He was devoutly loyal to Abriella, but he would not reveal secrets that were not his.

“And those would be?” Abriella inquired with brows lifting and head tilting more, wondering what her Captain wasn’t freely revealing.  While Thinius at times was hard to shut up when he had information, Mithos guarded the secrets of others tightly.  She knew this and while she normally respected that, when it came to one of the Princes, it was not a luxury that she wanted to afford them.

“Amon does not wish to rule, he only wishes to feed off of wrath.  Why ally himself with the other Princes who will undercut him and be a constant threat as they seek power, when he could come here and get everything he wants with none of the risks.”  Mithos considered his next words very carefully so as to not reveal more than he should.  It was his supreme hope that she would not dig deeper than what he said.  “It is also true that there are some within the realm that mean something to him.  If he remains at odds with us, then he is cut off, as well as unable to ensure their safety.”  

Abriella’s eyes narrowed at her Captain.  There was more to the last part than he was revealing, she was not a stupid woman.  He was guarding someone’s secrets, possibly more than one person’s and they must be very sensitive ones for him to be so guarded.  She would respect that because she respected him, and more so because she knew that Mithos would literally trade his life for hers.  If there was any danger that he sensed, he would not hold back from her.  “Do you think he is a danger?  I value your council in this, Mithos.  He has two males I trust vouching for him, but I want to know YOUR opinion.  Please, I ask of you.” Her eyes met his, and he could see the sincerity of her words.  

“I do not believe he is a threat to you, or anyone in this Palace.  I do not believe he is coming for any nefarious or harmful reasons.  We have given Lucifer and Arioch a second chance, My Lady, I believe that if one is going to come and ask similar after he has twice come to your aid in times of need, then we should at least entertain his argument.” Words chosen carefully came from Mithos.  He hated reminding her that Amon had saved her life once, at great risk to himself, and aided her another time, again at some risk to himself.  However, he would be fair to the fallen angel.  Was Amon coming for selfish reasons?  Most certainly.  Would those reasons put anyone within Imperium in danger?  Mithos felt within his being that the opposite would be true, they would be safer with him there and if his legions were loyal to Abriella and Cruz, it would not be a detriment to them in the least.

“Then, based on the vouching of three males I highly respect, I will meet with him.  When does he want to come?” She was still reticent to trust that the fallen angel was there for an altruistic reason, but she would at least listen.  Listening hurt nothing, and he would be in her realm, in her Palace, in a room she would ensure was seated with those she could trust.  All Four of the Horsemen would be there. Her realm and all within it would be safe.  Of that she would be certain.

“He can be here whenever you send summons.”  Mithos had to work hard to keep a slight smirk from his face.  While he knew that if certain other Princes were coming, she would react differently, he was glad to see that she was being logical and also calm regarding Amon.  Recent happenings with Gabriel and Damien only had added onto their conflicts with Leviathan and Mammon.  Then there was the Spectre Dartan that kept Arioch and Raguel on edge, someone to distract one of the males might not be a bad thing.  Abbadon was another that would have to be dealt with at some point.  Both Abriella and Cruz had their hands full, thankfully they had Olly and Deacon to share the load.  He was proud of both of them that they did take counsel from those around them, even if there were a couple that the demon was unsure of regarding their discernment, but never their loyalty.  There were none he knew of that would not lay down their life for another without thought.

“Give me two hours, and then summon him.  I need to gather a few whom I trust to listen as well.  I want to ensure that we are careful in any move we make now that we have eight vulnerable females in our trust.  While many are warriors, all are still adjusting here and some have fragile psyche and I will not have anyone disrupting any of them finding peace in their new lives.”  Abriella sat tall and regal, appearing the full Queen that she was, knowing her first duty was to those within the Palace walls.  Then to those who counted on her to keep the peace in Imperium.  She took all responsibilities seriously, but especially when any of the Princes was involved.

“So it has begun?”  Seamus was leaned up against the doorframe to Arch’s lab, a brow raised, with his arms crossed over his chest, causing the shoulders of his finely tailored suit coat to pucker slightly.

Arch looked up from the potion he was in the process of gathering the ingredients for to pin the demon with a stare that would have caused lesser males to wither.  “You’ve heard, I take it?  Do we have a leak in the Palace?”  A dark brown brow of his own rose, letting more light play off of his light blue eyes.  Eyes that remained trained on the stately silver haired demon as he pushed off of the wood frame to saunter into the room more fully.

“Not unless you consider Arioch a leak, dear friend.  He knows I consider those within dear to me, and thought that reinforcements might be needed in the coming days should Damien decide to mount an offensive to get his daughter and her fiance’ back.” A smirk formed on Seamus’ lips as he watched Arch’s eyes roll.

As much as the demon of revenge and the mage played at not liking one another much, Seamus knew the truth that they were friends behind the scenes.  Sometimes subterfuge was required to keep the enemy guessing.  Since Arch believed that they had enemies within the Palace, that meant hiding the truth from all but those he considered closest to him.  He considered himself honored to be amongst those the mage considered a good friend, and therefore knew reality.

“No.  I do appreciate him advising you of the situation.  I assume you have also heard about the visitor who arrived last eve?” Arch now stood erect and turned to make the two of them tea.  “It was the most exciting of days.  I am hoping we have some calm for a stretch, but I fear that is not within the plans of the fates and destiny, old friend.”

“I have heard.  A most unusual circumstance, indeed.”  Seamus replied as he rested one hip against the heavy wooden workbench Arch had previously been working at.  “I have also been advised that the newest immortal in Imperium’s companion is to be avoided, lest I set him aflame.”  He grinned, slightly malevolently.

Arch chuckled, “I’m surprised that Abriella hasn’t gagged him and hog tied him in a closet after his behavior. She often surprises me with the amount of restraint that she possesses.  He is just lucky that he faced her and not Cruz regarding the whole matter I believe.”  Pouring the water over the leaves he had macerated, and leaving them to steep, he turned to face his friend and his expression went from slightly amused to more serious.  “This is where the darkness becomes stronger.  The shadows will become long and the pain within the palace more acute.  I wish I could change it, Seamus, but all I can do is stand back and watch. My frustration is growing, but at least working with Olly and the new human, Amaya, will keep me distracted.”  

“I also heard rumor that the Prince that Ms. Gail had spoken of having been found.” It seemed that things never did slow down in the Palace. Sometimes he wondered how Abriella kept her sanity, but then again she was the Horseman of Death.  Was she truly sane?  There were questions.

Now Arch was surprised.  This was news to him, but then in the last 24 hours both he and Olly had been rather focused on Amaya.  If other things had been transpiring in the Palace or elsewhere, they would not have caught his attention unless someone brought them to him specifically.  “I was unaware of that, but something told me he might show up when she disappeared from Earth.  He appeared in her dreams, after all, and dream walkers cannot enter the dreams of those in Imperium. I wonder how Abriella will handle that.  If he is truly a Prince of another realm, this could get very interesting.  ” 

“Abriella is meeting with him now topside.  I have a feeling they will be returning for the tests to begin shortly.”  Seamus knew that this fulfilled more of what Arch had foreseen, and it seemed to trouble his friend as much as it did him.  The darkening of his friend’s countenance said as much.

“You know what comes next.  What will happen, and what it then leads to.  I cannot stop it, Seamus.  I cannot even warn those it is going to happen to.  I am powerless to intervene lest the Fates take action against me.”  The weight of it all seemed to make the tall mage slump some. He could do nothing but mitigate as much of the damage as he could and protect those who were not involved in what was coming….and what was coming was dark….

There were too many damn females in the Palace, but at least one his favorites would be a resident for a while, something that made Jasper smirk as he sat in the quiet library sipping his aged dark bourbon.  It sounded like the female that Dez and Thinius would be showing around would also be one who would be up for some mischief, a female after his own heart it seemed.  Others he wasn’t so sure of, but two that keep things from being too boring and not start decorating the Palace in frills and lace were at least a start.  And of course, the warrior Queen was a woman that he adored more than his own damned soul. 

It was Thinius that Jasper owed for his place within the Palace and within the legion.  He was a male after the other chaos demon’s own heart.  Next to Anna, Thinius was his oldest friend, however the female was far more dear to him.  For some reason she saw something in him no one else ever had: good.  For that reason alone, he had brought about great violence and carnage to keep her safe and avenge wrongs done to her.  It was also for that reason that he was still on the hunt for those beings that had slain her children, and why those things he had done and would do for her he often kept secret.  He did not do them to get acknowledgement, but because his love for her was as fierce as the fires of Caligo.

The opening and closing of the library door almost missed Jasper’s notice.  Almost, but not quite.  The light, soft footsteps that followed and came deeper into the library told him that the being that was disturbing his solitude was none other than the pesky justice nymph, Meredith.  Self righteous as she was beautiful, the female barely hid her disdain for Jasper, which meant that he more than enjoyed needling under her skin till she would skitter out of whatever room he was in like a scared rabbit.  It might have been his favorite pastime in Imperium before Anna had arrived.

His deduction was proven right when a few moments later the svelte and lithe nymph almost flowed past him, seemingly on a mission for yet another tome in some research topic.  Justice nymphs were the judges and juries of the supernatural world.  Meredith was known as one of the least corruptible and most thorough.  Only assigned to the most serious of cases, those who found themselves under her scrutiny never enjoyed it, and rarely got to live long enough to appeal her decisions too much.

“Little nymph, I do believe you’ve lost your way.” Jasper loved the way she jumped every time he startled her.  One would think that she would start to anticipate his being in the vast library, but no.  “You have once again entered my dusty domain, I should start charging you a fee for entrance.”

Meredith spun to face him.  “Is that so?  I did not know that Her Majesty had bestowed upon you a station in the court and title to the library of the Palace.” Her head tipped to the side and the sweetness of her voice held just the touch of venom in it, even though her mouth smiled, her eyes did not.

“Ah, little nymph, you know that our beloved Queen is fond of delegation.  Mithos and Thinius see to the legion, Adriel sees to security along with Dez, and I,”  placing his hands on the arms of the plush tufted leather armchair he pushed himself up to standing, “tend to the library.  Who do you think reshelves the books that you leave out on the tables and shelves?  Do you surmise they tidy themselves?”  Brows rising, his eyes widened slightly, lips pursing in a smirk.  He loved flummoxing her and he was currently.  She didn’t know.  He was the one who did it, mainly because he loved the solitude of the library and clutter annoyed him.

Meredith huffed out a breath as her eyes rolled, she did not have time for the arrogant demon.  “I will make sure to clean up after myself more often.  Far be it from me to cause you more work, Jasper.” Chin lifting, she didn’t drop her eyes from his.  She wasn’t sure what his game was, but she did mean to find out.

“There are other ways that you could make things easier on me, love.” Now he grinned as he moved closer, his steps a bit cockier as he did so.  

“Is that so, demon?” Meredith’s eyes rolled as her head shook just a tad.  “I have a feeling that any way that I made things easier on you, would make things harder on me.” Venom dripped from her voice as if was a viper’s fangs.

“Now darling, nothing on you would be getting harder, I do believe getting hard is my job.”  A grin spread wide on his face as his brows waggled.  He was a cheeky bastard and he made no apologies for it.  A few times it had gotten him smacked, even by his adorable friend Annabella, but it was all part of the fun.  How far he could push Meredith, now there was a question…

Her eyes closed as she drew in a long slow breath through her nose.  Why ever did she engage with the infernal grigori demon?  She really needed to learn to ignore him whenever she came in, yet no matter her resolution to, she never could.  “I can assure you, Jasper, there is nothing on you, hard or otherwise, that I am interested in.  So I’ll take a pass.” A sardonic smile graced her lips as she brushed past him to head to the section of the library that she need to get the volume from for the current judgment she had been entrusted with.

“You might not say that if you asked around, little nymph.” A chuckle followed his words, clearly he was amused by the situation, and her frustration with him.  Of course he would be, she thought, he lived to piss people off.  How anyone else in the Palace could stand him was beyond her.  But, it wasn’t up to her whether he stayed or left, that was up to the Queen.  Unless or until she was asked, she would keep her mouth shut.

“I don’t need to ask.  Trust me, your escapades are known.”  They weren’t.  She had no clue where to even begin to find out anything about him, but that didn’t mean she’d take a swing at his arrogance a little bit.

“Now, now, isn’t it against the rules for a justice nymph to so outright lie?  I thought better of you, Mere.  I’m disappointed that you would think me so naive that I would fall for your bluff.”  He was laughing now, he had to at least give her credit for trying to make him go away.  If he were less discrete or had more affairs, he might have believed her.  Neither were true, so he knew the lie before she’d even finished it.  

Meredith stopped and turned to face him.  “What is it you want from me? You hassle me every time I come in here in much the same manner.  Are you wanting me to judge you, Jasper?  Do you really think you would stand up under that scrutiny?” Her brows rose as she looked at him and let out a scoff

Oh, he did love getting her all riled up.  If she ever was assigned to judging him, he had a feeling she’d be in the fetal position and rocking within the first 24 hours.  Poor thing had no sense of humor, and she also had a serious inability to get a good read on him.  “Darling, I KNOW that I could stand up under your scrutiny.  I think you’d find I’m not as bad as you think I am, and I think that scares you a little.  You like being the goody-goody, and maybe..just maybe..you like a bit of the bad boy and you know I’m not as bad as some of them.” One brow rose as his head cantered.  Oh, there was a tick in her jaw as she fought reacting.  He was so loving this.  

“I think it’s lucky for you that I’ve never been assigned to judge you.  Your reprieve might be very short lived if I did.” Him getting closer to her made her uncomfortable, but in truth she couldn’t say why.  She wasn’t intimidated by him, she knew Jasper would never lay a finger on her to hurt her.  He never was even verbally cruel to her.  Yet there was something feral about the look in those hazel eyes that made her want to run and hide.  It took all her will to stand there, feet planted, with her chin slightly raised as he continued to walk towards her almost as a predator coming at prey.

“Well, hello, darling.  Fancy seeing you here.” 

Annabella stopped midstride as the smooth voice echoed down the hall from behind her.  A voice it had been decades since she heard, but she could never forget. A slow smirk formed on her lips as she turned around to face him.  There he was in the flesh:  Jasper Abbasi.  Smug smirk in place, leaning up against a doorframe like he owned the place with his arms crossed over his chest.  He looked relaxed, but Anna knew that the man was never relaxed.

“Well, hello yourself, Jasper.  And what brings a demon like you to a place like this?”  Anna\s blue eyes sparked with tease as she returned the greeting.  She was glad to see her old friend alive and not bound or worse by some witch.  They had hunted many a being together in New Orleans.

“I had heard that the Queen had brought some interesting females to the Palace, and you know me, darling, I can hardly resist an interesting female.”  The corners of his mouth lifted more as he winked.  “I didn’t realize just how interesting they could be till now.  I do hope that you are keeping yourself out of trouble, love.” One eyebrow rose as he kept his eyes trained on only her.  He knew that things had gone a little sideways in New Orleans and he had been worried, but the last time he’d been in the city there had been a difference of opinion with Jean Pierre and he had been reluctant to cross the Grigori again.  

“You know me, handsome, trouble finds me wherever I go.  We have gotten ourselves into a bit of it in our time, now haven’t we.”  Now it was her that was fighting smiling more as a slight chuckle caused her chest to shake lightly.  “Although I do think that you will find my current partner a bit more volatile that the last.”  

“Oh?  Am I going to have to worry about being staked or set on fire?  Worse than Cruz?  I have managed to stay on the good side of the King, you know.”  Now his curiosity was peaked.  Who could be her new partner?  He knew that her last one had been a rank asshole and if Jasper had his way, he’d drag the male to the depths of Caligo.  He still might if he could get royal permission.

“Not if you're a good demon.” There was the teasing smirk that Jasper knew, oh she could be just as much of a devil as he could.  A blond curl falling over one eye had him shaking his head.

“I’m ALWAYS good darling, you know that.”  Jasper grinned and pushed off the doof frame to start to walk over to her, his stut cocky as ever.

“Anna?” Both their heads turned as Adriel stepped into hallway, looking a little confused at the interaction between the two. “Oh, darling!  The Angel of Destruction? How delicious.”  Jasper turned towards Adriel who was looking at him warily.  “I’m Jasper, an old friend of Anna.”  He leaned in, his eyes meeting Adriel’s and goin from a brilliant blue to a deep red rimmed with gold.  “And if you break her heart like the last asshole, I’ll rip your wings off your pretty back and shove them up your ass sideways.  Ask Cruz, I can do it.”  He leaned back, his eyes returning to normal.  “I look forward to working with both of you in the future.  I love a good hunt.”  His eyes widened as he looked between them with a grin before walking over and kissing Anna on the cheek.  “Let me know when you’re ready.”

After everyone had headed in the dining room had calmed and headed off in their various directions, Asher had been cleared from the infirmary, and there were those from the legion set about cleaning up the gardens from the blood and mess, Abriella still felt in shock at the events of the morning.  What had started out to be such a positive experience had turned into what she felt was a disaster starting with Yael’s reaction clear through to the arrival of Asher and Kaylin.  While she knew that everyone was now safe and settled, it did not bring her peace at all. Even after she had retired to her office where she would look over reports from around the rest of Imperium, she found herself restless an unable to sit.  Her mind and heart jumpy and disquieted.

That is how her brother found her, alternating between pacing the floor and staring out the window over the lush gardens that led way to the gates that secured the Palace from the Capital City.  Unable to focus on one thing for any significant period of time, Abriella had given up and instead was trying to put in place plans for things.  Things that might come, things that would come, and things that were least likely to ever happen but that her mind was creating anyway.  It took her a good five minutes to even notice Cruz’s large form filling her doorway into the hallway, leaning up against the doorframe with his arms crossed.

“You know, you could give a girl quite a fright standing there like that, looking all cross.” Abriella admonished him, sarcasm thick in her voice.  If there was one person in the entirety of Imperium that she was NOT afraid of, it was Cruz. “I hope that it is not on my account that you look as if you are about to skin a troll.”  She was truly hoping that something else hadn’t happened.  She wasn’t sure that she could handle it if it had.

“I have been told I dost have resting asshole face, dearest sister.  I am not upset.”  A deep chuckle came from Cruz as he uncrossed his arms and entered into her elegant office. The corners of his lips lifted slightly as he walked over to one of the two wingback chairs in one corner and taking a seat, crossing his long legs at the ankles.  “What dost trouble you so?  You emotions art etched across your face.” He was worried.  His sister always bore a heavy mantle, and he knew that she had been concerned about the way that the day would go, so her mantle was heavier today than normal.

Sighing, Abriella started walking over to her brother.  “I cannot help but think that there is more coming.  I can feel it. It is like a vibration across my skin, a tremble in my soul.  I know not what is coming, but it is there.  I wish I had foresight, but I don’t.  Of course, Div won’t tell anything, which tells me there IS something there.”  She sighed heavily as she sat down in the other chair. It was hard for her to sit still, her nerves making her want to move and prepare for whatever it was that was coming.  Even if she did not know what was coming or what she could do to get ready for it, her body did not want to sit still.

“Could it not be that you have been so wound tight that you are anticipating that which shalt not come?” One of his dark brows rose over his crystalline blue eyes that were studying her intensely.  It was not that he doubted her instincts, but he also could understand if she was slightly paranoid after the happenings of the day.  Whatever did come, he would stand beside her through it all would not let her falter or feel weak at all.

Her shoulders rose towards her ears, then she shook her head with her eyes closing as she sighed.  Maybe he was right and she was just having a bad reaction to what happened during the day with her friends and cousin.  “Cruz, I wish I could say.  I’m still trying to learn all of the powers that Stennis decided to gift me with.  Every time I feel like I’ve gotten a handle on them, I discover something more.  Since he’s still bound and isolated, it’s not like I can ask him.” Abriella’s head fell to look down at her lap.  There were days she wondered if taking over the leadership of Imperium had been the smartest move.

Cruz reached over and took one of her hands, gently squeezing it.  “Sister mine, what is to come shall come whether we are ready or not. Remember that no longer are you ever alone. Within the walls of this castle dwell many who will stand at your side to face any who come against it.”  As big as his sister’s heart was, she often wanted to take on the world alone and forgot that she did not have to. It was not that she did not want help, but more that she felt responsible for others. She had spent so much of her life on the run and alone, that she still felt that she still had to face everything that way.  It was something that not only he, but all of her friends and Guard were working on helping her to remember.

Hazel eyes rose to meet Cruz’s blue ones, the corners of Abriella’s lips rising as they did.  “I know, BB.”  It had been a while since she had used the term of affection that went all the way back to when she had first been found and brought to the Nephilim Sanctuary in Chicago.  Cruz had called her “Little Bit”, then “LB”.  Being sarcastic, she had retorted with “Big Bit”, then “BB”. Still, in times when she was struggling and she needed him the most, that name came back.  “With my friends here, I just do not wish for the war to come to us, but for us to take the war to those who wish to wage it.  I fear that we shall not be able to do that for all those who see us as their enemy, but a girl cannot help but wish.”  She gave her brother a wry smile and squeezed his hand.  There would never be a day when she would not be grateful for his strong support.

“Whether it be our uncle or another foe, we hast faced worse and come out victorious.  We shall again.  You have the legion, you have your Guard, and you have our inner sanctum of friends.  Those who are here to find refuge need not ever know of that which transpires outside the walls of the Palace, even if there are those who wish to try to breach them.  Worry not, LB, they shalt never have to fear harm shall befall them.  Of this I vow.”  The blue of his eyes almost seemed to glow as he spoke, his power concentrating with his resolution to reassure his sister that all would be okay in the end.  It was not that he did not understand her fears, after all that had transpired in the recent years, but he did not want those fears to overwhelm her, which he had seen in the past.  In many ways she had saved him when she came into his life, and he would protect her life, body, and mind with every ounce of his soul.

“Then let them come, Brie.  And you take care of keeping people calm. Big guy here and I will lead the troops in kicking some ass.”  Olly was leaned against the doorframe and decided it was time to join the conversation. Cruz had nodded his head towards him when he’d walked up, but it was clear that Abriella had not seen him walk up.  “Don’t forget your grandfather is in residence down here at the moment as well, I doubt anyone really wants to take Div on.”  His grin was a mischievous.

Abriella tried to assess the situation around her as her shock began to wear off. She still was having problems taking in the fact that her uncle Damien had seemingly lost his mind and attacked not only his daughter but his highest General in a fit of rage that eclipsed anything she could have previously imagined him capable of.  The fact that Lucifer had known that something like this was coming and had made preparations chilled her even more.  He hadn’t shared that information with her, or anyone for that matter, before it had happened.  What else was he hiding?  It was something that she and Cruz would have to discuss with him later.

At the moment, Lucifer was escorting Kaylin to her suite so that she could get cleaned up and rest.  Arioch and Mithos had taken Asher to the infirmary to get further healing and so Arch could give him some medicinal herbs specific to dragons.  While they could heal to a point, if they tried to completely heal him, there was the potential that they would miss something that  had they let it finish healing on their own would have been taken care of.  For that reason, all supernatural healing rarely went beyond 75%.  This also took into account that not all beings had organs and such in the same place and sometimes trying to heal a being with an organ system different than your own could cause more damage than good past that point.

The only two members of her Royal Guard not otherwise occupied, Orpheus and Andronicus, were currently cleaning up the garden around her as Abriella was lost in her thoughts and trying to still digest it all and turn it over in her mind.  Cruz was off to the side, watching everything transpire with an indecipherable look on his face.  From his words earlier, she knew that he was unhappy about what Damien had done to both Asher and Kaylin, but beyond that she did not know the thoughts of her brother.  Were she to be completely honest, she wasn’t sure if she was ready to broach that subject with him either.  Often his thoughts leaned to the darker and more violent side.

Finally the blood was off the grass, or at least what was left blended in with it.  Being that Asher’s blood was golden colored, it didn’t quite clash with the green grass like red did, so it had seemed to fade away faster.  A troll and a goblin that worked in the garden were draining the fountains and running something through the piping that would take care of the blood there so that when it was turned on again that the water would once more run clear.  Pixies and gnomes were out tending to the flowers, bringing out their frogs and snails to help.  There was a flurry of activity everywhere.

With everything being handled, Abriella went over to stand next to Cruz, who still was as stoic and unmoving as a statue.  “Should we increase patrols around the Palace? I know that we have increased the wards, but Damien may have friends and contacts already here that we would not have looked askance at before.”  There was no one within the Palace that she trusted more than her brother, certainly not when it came to the security of those who she cared about.  Kaylin and she may not have been the closest, but they were family and family was always first.

“It would seem most prudent.”  Cruz looked down at his sister and sighed.  This was not a situation he wanted either of them to be in.  It would not be the Princes that would bring war to their door next, but their own kin.  “No one should leave the Palace until Damien has been dealt with.  We dost not wish to hand him a hostage.  His sanity is most certainly gone and anyone who did fall into his grasp would be in great peril.”  This happening on the day that Abriella’s friends had come to the Palace was a tragic coincidence and he was sure that it was not escaping any of the males that remained in the dining room that they would not only need to help the females adjust to life in Imperium, but also to be more vigilant than normal.

Raguel was the first to return to the room from those who had gone to the garden.  While it was clear that whatever had happened did bother him, he was calm and his voice reflected this.  Before addressing anyone else in the room, he turned to Cassandra with a rather remorseful look.  “Lady Cassandra, I regret to inform you that one of Lucifer’s granddaughters and her paramour have been gravely injured.  He sends his regrets but he will be unable to join you until later this evening. I will take his place in the meantime, in case there is anything you require assistance with.”

There was quite a bit of nonverbal communication going on between Div, Raguel, and Adriel that no one else in the room seemed to be able to pick up on.  From the looks between Olly and Deacon, they were as perplexed as the rest of the room.  “I apologize but the garden will be off limits until further notice due to the necessity for some cleanup.  It should only be a few hours.  There is no danger to anyone, so I hope you all can relax and it will be explained later when Abriella and Cruz are able to do so themselves. What happened to the Princess took place in her father’s castle.  The crash was her arrival here.  However, due to this, Abriella feels it would be best to postpone this evening's festivities.  A Palace full of people doesn’t seem prudent after a member of the Royal Family was attacked, even if it happened elsewhere.”  

Raguel was trying to keep his composure, he was as disturbed by what he knew had happened to Kaylin and Asher as any of the others out in the garden had been; but did not want to upset anyone.  What he was saying was the truth, even if he was leaving out a few key pieces of information, such as the fact everyone expected Damien to show up at any minute and demand Kaylin be turned over to him; something that was absolutely NOT going ot happen under any circumstances or for any reason.  It was not as if there was any way that Damien could get into the Palace, however.  He would be stopped far clear of it, without any of the women who had just come to the realm ever even being able to hear his voice..  With the extra wards that had been thrown up by several of the powerful beings residing in the Palace, no one was getting into the Palace unless brought in by someone in the very inner sanctum, and that was not likely. 

“Instead, since the kitchen has been preparing for days for this, Abriella wishes for everyone to have an enjoyable evening.  If you would like to get together in groups, or even back here in the dining room, that is fine.  Just let the kitchen know how many and where to deliver the food.  You don’t have to stay in your room, but please do not leave the palace.  Once the gardens are cleaned up, you could even have your dinner out there.  You are not prisoners, and as I said, there is no danger as long as you are on Palace grounds.”  Now Raguel smiled and began to relax since he’d finally gotten through everything.  Everyone seemed to be staying relaxed, which was good even if they all looked seriously confused.  “You do not have to decide now.  Go, relax, get acquainted with your new friends,  and decide.  And if you get hungry in the meantime, I’ve been in the kitchens this morning, ladies, and there is enough food for several armies down there so please do not hesitate to call and have some brought to you.  I promise no one is going to judge, in fact they will be happy it is not going to waste.”

He looked over to Cassandra, a rather tight smile on his face now.  For a woman such as she, he was a sorry replacement for Lucifer.  However, Arioch and Mithos were busy, and Orpheus and Andronicus were the ones cleaning up the mess, which meant they were clean out of those with demonic leanings.  “I’m sorry you are stuck with me, I can tell you were looking forward to getting to know Luc.  Since he has regained freedom, family has been very important to him and Kay is his favorite grandchild.  She was very greatly harmed.  I hope you can understand.”

Cassandra WAS disappointed, but at least the uppity angel was nice to look at.  If she couldn’t be evil outright, maybe she would just give him a hard time and have fun doing it.  “I’m sure you can keep me well occupied, Raguel.  I’m a simple girl, really.” There was a smirk on her lips that made the angel shift slightly and look up toward the head of the table where Div and Adriel still stood.  Was he looking for help?  How cute.  Oh yes, she would love this.

“Of course, Lady Cassandra, I’d be glad to be of any help that I can.”  He was going to kill his brother, and he wasn’t meaning Arioch.  He looked to his Father, who just looked amused.  What had he done to deserve this?

Div, thankfully, took pity on Raguel and spoke up, “why don’t you gentlemen show the ladies where they will be staying?  You might not be able to go to the gardens, but you can give them tours of the Palace.  I am sure they will want to know the basics of how to get around.  And you could show them the front lawns and features of the Palace, just not the courtyard garden.  I’m sure you gentlemen can keep the ladies busy and coordinate this evening’s activities as you wish.”  He then leaned over to Adriel,  who nodded and returned next to Annabella with a charming smile and kiss to the back of her hand, and something whispered in something her ear.

“Now, I am going to go confer with my son and grandchildren, then I believe those of us not entertaining the fine ladies will be gathering in the main lounge.  If anyone needs us, you all know how to get ahold of us.”  There were nods all around and murmurs as everyone got ready to split up for a while.

Cassandra stood next to Raguel, wrapping a delicate hand around his bicep, the look she gave him pure seduction that was matched by the purr of her voice. “I believe you heard your father, handsome, I want to see my bedroom.”  She let her hand run over his muscle, enjoying the fact his eye was literally twitching. Oh, he was going to be so much fun…at least until Lucifer was free.

She wasn’t going to make it easy on him, and Raguel hated every moment of it.  He really should have tried to talk Arioch and Mithos into doing this and assisted Asher in the infirmary.  Even if they were more familiar with him, they would have been better suited for this shit.  “Who am I to deny a lady.”  Raguel’s smile was tight as he gestured towards the door that the women had come through earlier.

The whole walk to the hallway where Cassandra’s suite was located, she did not stop caressing Raguel’s arm.  The smile on his face was tight as he tried not to let his irritation show, but he was sure that it was somewhat.  There was no real way to hide it.  It was not that he did not like the female, but she was neither his type of female nor his mate.  Maybe he should have offered to trade places with Thinius and assisted the asshole Dez with Phaedra for a bit.  Even dealing with that asshole would be better than this.

After entering the suite, Cassandra turned to face Raguel, a devious smirk forming on her lips as she gazed up at the handsome angel.  She knew that seduction would not work with him, but she did so love getting under his skin.  One hand went to his chest, running lightly over the soft fabric of his shirt, “thank you so much for showing me the way, handsome.”  Her voice was a purr, her hand moving higher as the angel stood there like a statue.  

“You are most welcome, Lady Cassandra.” Raguel inclined his head, forcing a smile.  He was trying not to piss off one of Abriella’s friends, but this situation was uncomfortable to say the least and he doubted it was going to get any better.

Watching Lucifer almost glide across the room in what could best be described as a walking seduction, Anna sat a bit nervously wondering exactly who Brie would have chosen for her and why she was last.  So far everyone was paired very perfectly with someone, or more than one person, who could help them fit in here in this new realm that they were all in.  She had been a sort of a cop on Earth, keeping the paranormal and supernatural beings in line with the rules that had been agreed upon and established over the centuries to keep the humans from discovering and hunting those who were “other”.  It hardly seemed like something that there would be a need for here in Imperium, or at least not that she’d be qualified for, or powerful enough at least.  

“And now, I think I’ve saved the best, or at least the most intriguing for last.  One that I believe will come as the biggest surprise to everyone, because even the others gathered don’t know who I picked for you Anna.”  Anna fidgeted in her seat as Abriella made this announcement.  Before she’d been looking rather comfortable while still nervous, but now the blonde looked anything but.  Abriella was certain that this choice was perfect for her, however.  “You have a very rare personality and have been through what I would call the most unique of circumstances to come through and dominate.  The accomplishments in your life are spectacular and cannot be diminished by anyone.  When I thought of who to have show you around Imperium and maybe a different way to use your gifts, my choice was instantaneous; but I then doubted myself.  When my brother and my sane grandfather agreed with me, then Jean Pierre and Armaund met him and loved him, well that just reinforced my choice.”  Abriella was smiling, but now her guard, friends, and even Lucifer were looking at each other wondering who it was she had chosen.  Would it be Div himself?  Cruz, who was almost chuckling?  There was only one other Horseman.  Mithos?  Arioch and Raguel seemed a bit of a stretch, but given she was an enforcer of the supernatural laws in New Orleans for generations, it might fit.   Each was wondering who that was left not in the room Abriella would have chosen. They could justify almost every one, including both Olly and Deacon’s fathers who often visited.  While none had seen them that morning, but since this was a “surprise”, it could still be them.

“While I know you needed to get away from Earth and get a fresh start, I also know you loved what you did and were very good at it because of your understanding of the base nature of beings.  I know you will never be a wilting violet, satisfied to sit back and enjoy a more docile life.  Your sarcasm and your backbone are the things I adore about you.  And that is why, my dear and old friend, I have to introduce you to a man I love with all my heart.”  Again there was a pause as almost every male eye, and more than one female, was cast down at Cruz who was smirking and chuckling.  “My father, Adriel.”  Leandre and Talon both choked on their coffee, and Deacon just stared, his hand frozen as he had prepared to pour more coffee for Yael.  Dez and Thinnius looked at each other like they were wondering if she had lost her head.  Lucifer laughed and clapped, while he didn’t know Anna, if Abriella paired anyone up with the damn cranky angel, she had to be a spitfire and he looked forward to getting to know her.

At the men’s reactions to Abriella’s introduction, Anna looked confused and leaned forward to look down the table.  What was she getting herself into?  Suddenly she wasn’t so sure.  When she looked to the door where the others had come, the male that walked through wasn’t what she expected.  The way he carried himself reminded her instantly of Jean Pierre.  There was an elegance and refinement to him that was almost familiar.  A cockiness that bled through every fibre of him yet, he was totally relaxed in himself.  Without him speaking a word, she could see why Brie picked him.  The fact he was VERY nice to look at didn’t hurt anything at all.  

As soon as the powerful Angel stepped out, Yael felt like she’d been hit in the chest.  All logic and reason left her brain and a blind panic filled her.  The angelic power that was rolling off Adriel was stronger than even Gabriel had possessed and it utterly terrified her.  If Gabriel had been able to inflict the torture and punishments on her with his lesser powers, what more could this pure and holy angel do?  How much more would he demand recompense for her failings of the past?  Memories of pain and all that had happened flooded her brain and she did not see Adriel before her but Gabriel, imbued with even more power than he had ever held before.  

Before Deacon or Leandre could react, Yael had pushed back from the table so hard and fast that her chair toppled over and slammed to the ground with a thud that resounded off the walls and caught everyone’s attention.  In a blind panic she headed for the door that they’d all come through when Abriella led the women, almost stumbling over her own feet in the process.  Her vision was blurred by tears and she was hyperventilating, the only thing she could hear was the pounding of her own pulse in her ears.  Away, she just had to get away.  Safe, she had to find somewhere safe.  Hide, she just had to hide.  This had been a trap, she’d been led here for more punishment.  Why had she agreed to this?  What had she done to deserve this? Why?  Why…why…hide…safe…why…run…run…run…

Both Leandre and Deacon had been caught off guard by Yael’s response, and from the look on Abriella’s face when Leandre’s met hers for a split second, she had not anticipated it either.  What about her father had caused it would have to be later determined, but Lee had to contain it before Yael hurt herself.  It was clear she was far from in her right mind. He was the next on his feet and caught her before she’d made it past the middle of the table.  Banding his arms around her, he stopped her forward momentum and brought her flush against him.  Then he traced them from the room and to his own chambers in the new wing of the palace.  It was the first place he thought of and in the muted hughes and quiet there, he hoped it would calm her.

The response of the males to his announcement and entrance Adriel had anticipated.  The reaction of the small female nephilim, that he had not anticipated.  It had brought him to a stop and he looked to his daughter on how to proceed once Leandre had taken her elsewhere to calm her and Deacon had righted her chair.  “I did not mean to upset your friend, sweetheart.”  It was clear from his tone that he was now unsure, something that those who knew him knew was very rare and uncharacteristic of him.  But they also knew the delicate situation with Yael, so would understand his trepidation now that he had somehow upset her.

Abriella’s good mood was fading as she looked and saw confusion and upset on the faces of everyone now.  “Maybe I should have had Div in here before you in order to calm her more.” She gave her father a soft smile.  “She has not been around any Holy angel since…”  she shrugged and her father nodded.  Looks of understanding started to dawn on those who had been confused.  Dez and Thinnius both took Phaedra’s hands.  She looked crestfallen.  Brie knew that she had hoped Yael would find peace here and it had not lasted even an hour.  “Leandre will understand better than any that reaction and be a comfort to her.  I’m sure they will return when she feels better.”  She turned to the rest of the table.  “And I know we’ll all help her feel better.”  There were nods from all the men, and Brie knew the women all would because they were all here to heal. It had not occurred to him either that Yael would fear an angel, simply because of Gabriel.  As well as helping the beautiful Anna he was assigned to, he would assist the sweet Yael in overcoming what had happened to her under the nose of Michael.  The poor child had been hurt enough, it was time for her to find happiness the way his daughter was finally as well.  “She will see in time that not all are as she was treated previously.  I will make it my mission to assist in that as well.”  He inclined his head to Brie before continuing over to Anna.

“Dear one, I do apologize for the upset that my arrival has brought.  I promise in the future, that things shall go much smoother and I shall endeavor to assuage any fears that your friend may have of my intentions.  I know she has been through much.”  He took Anna’s hand and brought it to his lips, his dark chocolate eyes never leaving those crystalline blue ones of hers.  They were bluer than the sky on a clear summer’s day and he hoped to keep them from ever clouding over.  

Once Adriel had taken his seat and everyone seemed to calm some, Brie had the rest of her Guard, Olly, Arioch, Raguel (who was glad it had not been he who caused the upset), Andronicus, Orpheus, and Div join them in the dining room.  Before he sat, she took her grandfather off to the side to discuss the frailty of Yael’s psyche. There was a growing fear in her mind that it had been a grave mistake to bring her to Imperium where there were frequently angels as much as demons. Div tried to reassure her that sheltering her would do her no favors and that she was in the best hands possible with Leandre and Deacon. Abriella kept thinking back to her own time when she had first arrived at Sanctuary in Chicago and she too had run scared.  It had been the love and stubbornness of her brother that had brought her home finally.  He hadn’t given up on her when she ran, hid, and cowered at shadows and thunder.   What she had been through in her early life paled to what Yael had survived, which made Abriella’s heart break for her friend all the more. Much like Cruz, she knew that Leandre would not give up on Yael either, but that did not mean it was easy.

Div knew that there was little he could say or do without revealing his foreknowledge of what was to come; which would anger the remaining Fates, something he was not willing to do.  Instead, he asked her to do something that he knew she would, trust him.  While she was still concerned, he believed that Yael had to go through everything to heal and this was not something that they could use powers to do for her. Until she was able to face those whom she was safe around without running in fear, she could never be truly be free from Gabriel.   And it was something that would help Leandre as well to walk her through, since he still buried his long ago torture deep inside.   Taking shortcuts would only make it so that in the future she would be unable to handle issues that arose.  She needed to be able to face it all by herself.  As hard as it would be. In the end, this would be the best for her.

“This is not the last time that I am sure there will be upset amongst us.  Since ascending to the throne here in Imperium, I have faced a constant stream of activity, from almost being dead to wanting to kill my ex.  Please no one despair that your first day here has hit a bump.” Abriella stood tall with her shoulders back.  This was the queen that those who had been living in Imperium with her for the past few years had come to know very well.  “We are more than friends here in the Palace, we are family.  And family,” she looked to Adriel before her gaze slid to Lucifer, then Deacon, and finally rested with an affectionate smile coming to her lips on Cruz and Div who was standing next to him now after hearing the commotion when Yael had become upset, “family works things out, even if it takes a little time.  None of you are alone anymore to face whatever it was in your pasts that brought you here.  This realm may have started off as Hell, but now it is an inbetween where all can find peace and rest.”  That was what Cruz and Abriella had truly turned Imperium into, with the darker parts of the former Hell realm being cast down into the “Lower Hell” of Caligo.  

After what had just happened with Adriel, Raguel seemed a little more tense as he sat and talked with the others than those who knew him were used to.  Not that any were surprised, it was clear that the two angels who most frequented Imperium would need to tread carefully around Yael, if not avoid her altogether until she had further calmed.  They would also have to warn Uriel and Azriel, Olly and Deacon’s fathers, to be careful as well.  All were Seraph angels, angels of the most high Holy order, higher than even Gabriel had been, so would be seen as a threat.  That Lucifer had not bothered her showed that those who were Fallen were seen as completely different than those still Holy.

The rest of the breakfast was thankfully uneventful.  Abriella was beginning to relax.  Everyone was chatting easily with one another.  Even Deacon was talking with both Gail and Phaedra in an almost relaxed manner.  She knew he was worried about Yael, but they both knew there was probably no one better to calm the nephilim than the male who had taken her from the room.  Deacon occasionally was even giving Talon a hard time, who was trying to blend into the background. As outgoing as Talon could be at times around those in the Palace, he also tended to be closed off when in large groups, so she was glad to see Deacon and Thinius pulling him out and not letting him disappear into a wall.

Everyone was just finishing up when there was a crash in the gardens that made the ground slightly tremble.  Cruz and Abriella were instantly on their feet along with Div.  They were more surprised to see Lucifer instantly in his battle attire, “NOW!” he shouted as he, Arioch, and Mithos disappeared.  

“What the fuck?” Thinius asked as a trio of black and red marbled wards covered the palace.

“Let’s go find out.” And with that Abriella, Cruz, and Thinius disappeared along with Raguel as well.

The rest of the room was left shocked and all of the women on edge.  Div cleared his throat, getting everyone’s attention.  Adriel was instantly in battle gear as well, standing next to him, but after getting something whispered in his ear, was back in his previous attire with a nod.  “Ladies, gentlemen, it appears we have some new guests.”

Cassandra had been watching everyone with a slightly disdainful eye, but then she wasn’t the most warm and fuzzy of the group.  While she had grown to have an affection for all the women, watching all the fluffiness going on around her slightly turned her stomach.  She was a practitioner of the darker arts, one who spun spells that called upon the old gods, the dark gods, and the beings who most certainly DID go more than bump in the night.  Fluffy happiness was most certainly NOT her thing and while she wanted no part in it, as Abriella moved towards standing in front of her, she had a feeling that here came the sappiness.  By The Source she wanted to murder something.  Fuck her straight to Caligo.

Abriella could sense Cassandra’s distaste for the atmosphere created around the other women, not that it surprised her. She had never known her friend to be one for happiness in the conventional sense, and it was one of the things that she adored about the sorceress.  So, when she started speaking, Abriella had a devious smirk on her face.  She doubted that her friend had any clue what she had in store for her, and that might have given her a little bit of satisfaction.  One rarely got anything over on the sorceress.

“Cassandra, of everyone here you are probably the one that would feel at home in a realm that has always tilted towards darkness.  But even you have some light in you, though you try to hide it most of the time.  It is why I picked someone to guide you who is much like that.  While historically he has given in only to the darkness, in more recent times, he is finding a balance with the light that was still within him.”  Brie saw Leandre stiffen and hold Yael’s hand a bit tighter, Deacon’s arm going across the back of her chair and felt the protective energy coming off of him.  Both were highly unhappy about her choice, not sure how someone in her position would react. She couldn’t blame them, but she hadn’t had a bad reaction to Thenasus or Leandre, demonic nephilim, or Thinnius, a full demon, so Abriella had hope.

“My grandfather is whom I have chosen to guide you.” Cassandra rolled her eyes, forgetting that Div was not the ONLY grandfather the fair Queen had. This only caused Abriella’s smirk to grow. “Lucifer was lured into darkness by his pride, but even he has seen the ere of his ways had come back towards the light since my rule here.  I feel you two will find much in common and that he will be able to help you find your footing here in Imperium.  And maybe take you on field trips to other realms you might both enjoy.” Cassandra’s face was now a mask of shock at what Abriella had said, and the wink that she got thrown didn’t cause it to change one bit.  

A cocky smirk was planted on Lucifer’s face as finally he got to lay eyes on the female that he was to be “assisting”.  He knew that there were few who thought he deserved to be walking free, but he was and they could just suck a rakshasa’s balls.  The beauty he got to work with was a reward for playing by his granddaughter’s rules, even if his toe was sometimes on the very edge of the line of them, and avoiding being beheaded by his grandson when he got a little too close to the line of his. Cruz was nowhere near as lenient as his sister.  Cassandra was a beauty he planned on having under him and enjoying by nightfall; a sorceress and a seductress he didn’t even need to hear a word from to recognize.  Even if everyone else was just playing guide dog for their guests, he planned on actually ravishing his, and he doubted she’d mind from the way her eyes were taking him in.  Ah, it was good to be him.

The little Nephilim he’d been warned to behave around wasn’t wilting into a puddle in her chair, but Deacon and Leandre were definitely playing the roles of guard dogs well.  Lucifer thought about making a move in her direction, but as tense as Deacon was, he might end up beheaded by a Horseman, and that would certainly put a damper on his day.   He’d have to see how things went around her later, test the waters just a little.  He would never hurt her, but push to get a reaction; that he might do.  Prince of Darkness was one of his titles after all, and one that he had very rightly earned.  

“Behave!”  One clipped word brought Lucifer to a sudden stop as he turned to look at Abriella with one brow raised in question.  “Do not forget who and what I am, or I will be more than happy to remind you. Painfully.”  She gave him a sardonic smile that had him inclining his head with the utmost respect.  Her point was made very clearly.  She had been able to read his energy and from the look on Leandre and Deacon’s faces, her reaction had clued them in to be on alert for his actions in the future.  Awe, his fun would be spoiled somewhat.   While he wouldn’t do anything outright, he did like to put his toe on the line and see what he could accomplish without stepping over.  He’d just have to make sure Cruz wasn’t in Imperium when he did it, he wasn’t going to give his grandson an excuse to cause him pain. “As always, my darling.”  He would not challenge her, after all he did like breathing and being.  She could end both without even breaking a sweat, and would.  It had been made clear to everyone that resided inside the palace that if harm came to any of her friends, her response would be harsh and swift.  Having been on the receiving end of her ire and hanging on the wall of the grand ballroom of the Palace of Imperium for over two years by her enchanted daggers firmly implanted through his shoulders into the wall, he was not inclined to test her too much.  The wounds from her daggers had still not completely healed, and he did not not want to know what powers she held that caused that.  If he were to be completely honest, and he rarely was, she scared him.

Surveying the scene unfolding before her, Cassandra couldn’t help but be amused.  The male before her was certainly a fine thing to look at.  That it was Lucifer himself also did not hurt one single thing.  He was as tall as the others with  auburn hair with a cocky strut that was unlike the other males that Brie had chosen.  Oh, when Dez and Thinnius had come out, they had been cocky, but nothing like Lucifer.  He had a smoothness to him that was like sex personified, and she liked it.  Cassandra studied Lucifer very closely and definitely liked everything that she was seeing.  Hhe was the epitome of a “bad boy” and she aimed to find out just how bad he could be as soon as they were not in a room full of people.  While she had hardly let that stop her in the past, she respected the other women at the table;  moreso, she highly respected Abriella.  Let the other play with their heroes and warriors, she wanted the one who could get down and dirty in every way possible.  Already she could feel her desire for him growing, and not just her sexual one.  Oh yes, this would be fun indeed. 

As Delilah watched the others get matched up, she became more nervous.  While she knew that these weren’t supposed to be romantic matchings, there was something about them that also kind of felt that way.  That was one area where she had always sucked. She was the one that guys never gave a second glance to.  The computer nerd, the too tall one at almost six feet tall, the weapons expert who was a better shot than they were, it seemed she was always firmly in the friend zone.  Being an extreme introvert after her parents’ death and dealing with the PTSD from that didn’t help.

Dreya had understood. Dreya, everyone loved her.  She’d had her pick of men, and women if she’d wanted them.  They’d been like sisters and it had been Dreya that had helped her start her tech and armaments company.  Then as they were doing work for Dreya’s mercenary company, someone took out Dreya, right in front of her.  Some nights she could still see the bullet impact Dreya’s skull in slow motion, feel the warm spray of blood before the impact of her friend’s brains on her face.  She couldn’t forget.  Would never forget. 

Back then, she hadn’t know what Abriella and her friends were.  She’d known they had bought tech and weapons from her company, a LOT of tech and weapons, but not what they did with them or why they needed so many.  Many of the organizations and governments that she had worked with were black ops, and she learned not to ask questions early on.  She had become friends with Abriella though, and it was she that Delilah called from the hospital as she sat in shock after being taken there for evaluation by the ambulance that responded to the scene of Dreya’s murder.

She should have known something was up when it was less than a half hour till the beautiful brunette strutted into the hospital with her brother and obviously held command of the entire ER.  Delilah was still in such a state of shock that it wouldn’t occur to her til days later that it was off.  By then, she’d met Arch and knew about magic, a plantation house in the Louisiana bayou that made the T.A.R.D.I.S. seem a little dilapidated, and that there were beings amongst humans that weren’t.  More surprises came later, including being granted her own immortality.

That was one thing that her guide that Abriella was going to give her was supposed to help with.  Unlike everyone else sitting at the table, she had only been immortal less than two months.  Annabella had been a complete doll, understanding what being a new immortal was like.  She’d introduced her to her good friend Jean Pierre and his husband Armaund who had helped her through her initial transition.  They were amazing too.  However she was still grappling with everything.  So, as Abriella drew close, Delilah grew nervous, very nervous.

For Abriella’s part, she was feeling pretty confident after three successes under her belt in pairing up her friends with other friends that could help them. Now she was coming up on another one that she felt might be the best match of all.  When it came to the statuesque redhead that she adored and wanted to help heal from deep wounds and pain, there was only one person who came to mind.  “Delilah, you were worried about coming and sticking out being so new to immortality and your life having been so different than everyone here.  As you can see, even those who were born immortal have their share of issues and problems that they’re needing help with.  You’ve had your own battles, not unlike the others, and not unlike those who have lived in Imperium for some time.  After all, that is how we met, we needed something you had and that you did better than what some of us could do.”  Abriella gave her a warm and affectionate smile. How she wished she could take the pain and worry from her friend, but that would not solve things.  Some things had to be worked through, not just erased.  

“Now you too are immortal  and I can think of no one better to guide you through not only your introduction to Imperium but immortality than a dear friend of mine, Talon.  A demi-god who has learned in the last few years that his life wasn’t exactly what he thought it was.  So, starting over and discovering who he truly is, well that’s something he is very experienced in.”  Dez chuckled and so did Deacon, then nodded in agreement.  Talon had proven himself over the preceding months of navigating discovering that Thinius was his father, to handling all of the fallout from Talia’s insanity and ensuing drama when she had betrayed them all.  Having to deal with learning that the first half of his life had been one big lie from his mother without ending up like his sister was something a few still were impressed by.

Tech nerd and weapons guru, how could Talon have asked for anyone better?  It was like Abriella  had given him the ultimate gift for not absolutely losing his shit since they’d been reunited.  He’d have to make sure to get her a bomb gift later if he got along with Delilah.  It seemed his life had been one twist or turn after another, but he’d somehow kept his footing with the help of his friends who were more like family.  He was a mix between how his dad was dressed and Deacon, which fit him.  He WAS like a mix of the two.  Jeans and a button down shirt, sans tie.  Ties were nooses you willingly put on.  He wasn’t too formal, not too relaxed.  All swagger as he crossed the room, fuck yeah…he was a demi-god after all.  

He had to hand it to Abriella, her friend was HOT.  No complaints from him in that department at all.  Talon stopped in on the opposite side of the table from Delilah and gave her a wink.  Then came a couple introductions.   “He’s my dad,” he pointed to Thinius, who looked more like he could have been his brother, and who also gave her a short wave.  “And he”, he pointed to Deacon, “is my best friend.”  Deacon chuckled and gave a short mock salute.  “So you’ve been warned.  I can be a little crazy around those two especially, but I tend to be kinda down to earth round the rest of these assholes.  And I slay at Gears of War, so you better be able to keep up, gamer girl.”  He saw Del’s eyes light up and he knew he’d already scored a brownie point.   Hot gamer girls were his thing and now he got one that was on this side of the screen, not a bad deal if he had to say so.  He might have overhard she was single.  Single for now?  Possibly.  He was a demi-god, who could resist?

She had to be dreaming.  Had. To. Be.  THIS was who Abriella was going to have working with her, and he was FLIRTING with her?  Talon was drop dead fucking gorgeous and a gamer?  She’d think Abriella was playing a joke on her, but had it been anyone else she would not have believed any of this was real.  Del almost wanted to cry, she was so happy.  Hopefully he had some kinda hot immortal friend who needed a girlfriend too.  She was sure Talon already had one.  Men like him didn’t walk around without one, not in her experience anyway.  And that was fine.  She could look, appreciate, and not touch.  She’d just like one of her own eventually.  Hell, it wasn’t like any of the men sitting at the table were bad looking.  Of course Abriella had all the luck.

“That’s fine…I think you’ll be the one keeping up with me, few can.”  She smirked up at him and winked.  “I’ll be the judge of how good you are, pretty boy.”  She had no idea where that self confidence came from, since she wasn’t sitting on another side of the screen with a headset on.  There were laughs around the table, and Talon just grinned.  No awkwardness at all as he came around and plopped down next to her and threw his arm on the back of her chair and gave the back of her hair a light tousle.

Abriella tried not to just stare at the newest pairing.  They were getting along better that she could have even hoped.  Delilah tended to be on the shy side.  Talon could be as well, but he HAD been excited to meet her.  He’d never even asked what she looked like.  Tech, weapons, and a gaming setup was all he had to hear to be on board and excited.  Those were the things he asked about, along with her personality.  Maybe that’s why they were hitting it off, they were peas in a pod.  

It did seem that things were going well and the arrangements were getting better with each one, and Yael was even smiling now, her hand more wrapped around Leandre’s than Deacon’s.  Not that Brie was surprised.  She knew that Yael needed a guardian, and Lee was definitely that.  A Knight of Imperium and a member of her Royal Guard, his duty was just that, to guard and protect first and foremost. She had no doubt, he would do likewise for Yael.  

Seeing that Yael was doing just fine, Abriella moved along the table, stopping before the beautiful Nephilim who resembled her sister so much that some often got them confused.  “Phaedra, it is said that you and Yael are very close as sisters and resemble each other in a plethora of ways, so it seems only fitting that you would be similar in that you are both going to have two guides to help you here in Imperium.  In her case it was their decision to work together to uniquely help her, each  in their own unique way.  In your case, the situation is slightly different. I honestly could not decide which of them would be better suited to help you, as they are so similar in personality to one another, and how I believed they would mesh with you.  Although others would disagree with this, I think that them working together is a fabulous idea, and when I discussed this with them, well they loved the idea as well.”  Brie chuckled and shook her head.  Deacon’s head dropped and he shook it as well, a groanish laugh escaping him.  Yael looked concerned about what was going on until he leaned over and whispered something in her ear, something that made her giggle. “I believe that both Thinius and Dez will be excellent in helping you discern the direction that you should be taking in the future now that you have left the angelic legion as a warrior.  Be careful, Thinius might try to recruit you for our own, which you are always welcome to join.” There was a bit of tease in Abriella’s voice as she winked at Pheadra.  She was half serious, but she had a feeling that Pheadra would be better suited for some other rolls she had discussed with both the males that would be helping her get situated in Imperium.  “Dez is also needing some help in discerning the direction that he should be taking, as he was given a role by The Source which has at times quite frustrated him and left him not sure of his place in things.  You are both starting new chapters in your life, so you will have that in common to help one another with.  I believe that you’ll both have had unique experiences that will assist you in guiding  one another as you move forward, and being supportive of the bumps that may come.  So again, like your sister, you and one of your guides will be helping each other with fresh starts.  I also think these are just the males to handle that perkiness of yours, and possibly go along with it in ways that some here may wish they didn’t.  Just do not drive everyone else too insane with the perkiness.”  Now Brie laughed outright as she gave Pheadra a cheeky wink, as did many at the table, Phaedra included who blushed.

Dez had been waiting for this; when he heard Abriella star talking to Pheadra, he’d started bouncing on his toes.  Since she had mentioned the spunky little Nephilim coming to live in Imperium he’d been looking forward to finally meeting her.  This was his do-over for what happened when Brie had come to live with them in the Nephilim Sanctuary in Chicago.  That was when he and Talon had fucked everything up due to stupid jealousy that led to a major and brutal fight.  It had been that fight that had caused so much upset and heartache in the end, for more than just Abriella.  Now he had a chance to do more, and to help healing instead of causing upset.  He and Thinnius were gonna slay this shit and have too much fun doin it with a chick that sounded cool as fuck to boot.  For him though, this was so much more and he’d even talked to Div about it, making promises that this time, this time he was going to get it right. Unlike Leandre and Deacon, neither Dez nor Thinius were in suits.  Unlike Thanases, they weren’t in their leathers either.  No, neither of those fit their personalities too much.  The boys were in hoodies and jeans when they came out of the side room together with cocky swaggers.  Both of them were grinning like fools and looked just as excited as they were.  Yes, they were gonna help Phaedra get settled in Imperium, but they were also going to have fun.  Abriella had said they were going to be three peas in a pod, and that is exactly what they were expecting to happen.  .

One plopped down on each side of her, no grand introduction or anything. No bowing or greeting her like a visiting dignitary.  “He’s Thinnius.  Don’t call him T, that’s Talon that you’ll meet in a minute, call him that and then everyone gets confused.  I call him Blondey or Chaos.”  Dez grinned.  “I’m Dez.  You’re gonna love me.  I know it.  You’re gonna love him too, just not as much.”

Moving from where she had been standing at Cruz’s side, Abriella stood directly across from her friend. “Yael, you have endured hardships, punishments, and mental torture that no one truly deserves.  Manipulation of your thoughts and emotions were allowed to endure for too long, and there are few that can understand what effect that has on the psyche and the view of the world it creates.  I know that you have had anxiety regarding coming here, in truth I know there is little you do not have anxiety regarding anymore.”  Her words were soft and heartfelt, not full of pity or in any way demeaning.  While speaking Abriella had reached over and gently taken Yael’s hand in her own.  She wanted her friend to know that she was safe and that no one took what had happened with Gabriel lightly.  “However, I selected one of my personal guards that I truly believe can understand your viewpoint more than you might expect.  While it will take some patience from both of you, I believe you can help one another to see that the world is not such a dark place as you have come to see it.  Do not let his gruff and stoic exterior intimidate you, I promise you he is a lot softer than he first appears.”  She winked with a smile, and when she continued her voice held affection for her guard. “Stoic is I believe one of his middle names, but he is also a fierce protector and that is what you also need during this time of recovery.   And Leander remembers what coming out of the dark of a prison can feel like.”  While he’d agreed to do this and even wanted to, Leandre was still having second thoughts while he stood talking to some of the others during what felt more like an awards speech than an introduction.  Deciding it was too late to back out now and not look like a monumental jackass, he took a deep breath and hoped for the best as he stepped through the doorway into the grand dining room where everyone was gathered.  Rather than being in his fighting leathers as Thenasus had done, Leandre was in a suit from the human realm, with a crisp white shirt underneath.  He had decided to forgo the tie for the day and left the top couple of buttons on the white shirt he wore undone.  It was his hope that this would help the female he was charged with protecting and guiding to relax if he didn’t look quite so formal, but he couldn’t be as relaxed as some of the others who would come later. That was only around those he knew very well.  According to Brie, Yael was more akin to a scared mouse than an Angelic or Nephilim warrior, which is what she had been for centuries.  

As he walked towards the table, Leandre saw Yael’s reaction and couldn't say he disagreed with his friend and Queen.  Yael was also absolutely stunning with fine and elegant features on her narrow face, eyes the most beautiful shade of hazel that seemed to change color as he neared her and the light changed, and hair a shade off of auburn; and nothing like he expected.  From the trepidation he could see in her entire demeanor,  he was glad he wore the suit over his uniform of the Guard.   As nervous as she appeared sitting there, almost clinging to Abriella’s hand, in his full regalia, she might have passed out.  Leandre knew a thing about torture and fear, he would not want to put her ill at ease, especially at their first meeting.  What he had endured had been weeks, hers had been years.  While he understood some of what she had endured, in ways he could not know how she had withstood all she had while maintaining a modicum of sanity.

Sliding through a small break in the table made for just that, Leandre bowed to her but kept his eyes on her face.  "Lady Yael, I may not be as relaxed as some of the others in Imperium, but I promise you will always be safe with me and we will work through it all together." He brought the back of her hand to his lips and Lee swore he heard her make a small squeak.  His eyes cut over to Abriella slowly as he stood back up, maybe he did want to know exactly “how bad” it had been; something he had previously chosen not to know thinking it would be better for Yael to tell him.

While he wasn't as big as Thenasus, Leandre was also a massive warrior.   Broad shoulders, tall, and powerful, Yael believed him to be even larger than Gabriel.  It was hard to trust he would not hurt her like her old commander had. Even with the calm and peacefulness she had seen in his oceanic blue eyes, it was hard for her not to feel fear coiling in her belly.   It was all she could do not to recoil when he’d taken her hand, then the feel of his lips and the scruff of his goatee against her skin had created a whole other sensation she hadn’t felt before.  Outside of Gabriel, the few other angels and Nephilim she interacted with as part of her responsibilities with the Angelic Legion, and those males who had been part of her mission, Yael had been around very few males.  Abriella’s brother Cruz and their friend Arch were the only two with regularity, and they were the only two that she trusted.  Trusting this new one would take some time.

When Leandre had taken his seat, Yael tried to give him a soft smile, but she wasn’t sure how it actually turned out due to her nerves.  She figured it must not have been too bad because Abriella squeezed her hand and Leandre nodded towards her with a small smile of his own.  She had a feeling that might be the most he ever did since it earned a raised brow, but pleased look, from Abriella. Yael had to admit she did like the look of it on him, his chestnut colored hair long enough to be bruising his eyebrow on the side he had it parted to giving him an almost boyish charm to his otherwise rugged face.  Definitely handsome.

Abriella watched Yael carefully.  She also caught the look that Leandre had thrown her, and knowing him as well as she did told her that he was going to want to know more than what she’d told him in their previous conversations.  It had been her hope that Yael could be the one to divulge that information, but it might be better if she did.  That way there would not be any accidental upsets that could cause things to slide backwards, or worse.  There would be time for that later after everyone had gotten settled.

Once Leandre was settled and Yael’s racing heart seemed to have calmed, Abriella revealed a surprise. "I know there are some special circumstances that have made you feel like no one can understand your lack of experience in areas others have, especially relationship wise.” Yael started to get nervous once more as Abriella started another introduction.  Her breath stuttered and her eyes glanced furtively around.  Did everyone know, were they all laughing at her the way that Gabriel had?  Would they all judge her and look down on her?  Yael’s breath quickened and her heart started pounding, how had she agreed to this?  Was it too late to go back to the Sanctuary in New Orleans?

Leandre’s hand found the top of Yael’s on the table, gently laying atop it, and she found it calming and reassuring, somehow.  The warmth of it seemed to seep into her veins and fight the fear that had been trying to course through them.  “There is another here in Imperium that is much like you.  He too has felt like an outsider at times, but knows that we all love him regardless and that it doesn’t define him.  A Horseman and my cousin, he is also one of the gentlest souls I know when not on the battlefield.  Deacon, Horseman of Famine, specifically asked to work with you and Lee, so you will not feel alone in those areas where you feel no one could understand." Abriella gave Yael a soft and warm smile, wishing she could ease the pain and fear she knew her friend felt.  Between Leandre and Deacon, there were probably no others who truly could understand what she was feeling or what she had endured.

Like Leandre, Deacon had opted for a suit and no tie.  When Deacon had told Lee he'd wanted to work with them, at first the Demonic Nephilim had seemed insulted that Deacon might think that he couldn't handle a simple Nephilim who was having trouble adjusting to a life free from torture and fear at the hands of her former commander.  That was until Deacon explained she was a virgin, something Deacon had learned from his own father.  Then it sank in, Deacon was probably one of the very few in the realm who might understand other than a full Angel, and no one was going to have her working with one of those anytime soon.

In fact, the final details of them working together had been made for them to tag team things while Brie was getting the women that morning.   Cruz was to have told her as they were all seated for breakfast.  Deacon was originally supposed to have been a backup, but knowing how he'd felt through the years about his homosexuality and lack of relationships, he felt that he was in the unique position to help. Leandre had agreed the more that they talked and it wouldn’t be a bad idea to have an extra set of hands when one of them was busy.  Now that he’d seen how skittish she really was, Leandre thought they were both going to have their hands full until she felt that she was truly safe in Imperium.

When Deacon entered the room, Yael didn’t feel the same fear that she had for Leandre.  Deacon’s whole demeanor was more relaxed, and had she not known he was a Horseman, she would never have guessed.  He looked more like a model: tall with wide shoulders and narrow hips, chiseled features, with dark hair and brilliant blue eyes. He looked more like he should be walking a runway in Milan rather than a warrior and Horseman.  She knew he started out a Nephilim the same as she was, but she had never seen another one anywhere close to looking like he did.

"Hi, Yael.   I want to help in any way I can.  Friend, confidant, shoulder, brother, whatever it is that you need.  Leandre and I have different styles, but we agree that you will always be safe with us both and we will work together and with you to help you heal from all you've been through."  Deacon's style was definitely less formal and more warm, and it earned him a small smile.  It was a start, and it was good enough for now.  

Leandre still had his hand lightly on top of hers, and it was helping Yael feel calmer as another large male was now seated next to her.  She didn’t know why, except maybe she did believe that he would protect her and she was safe with him.  That combined with Deacon being so relaxed and friendly, and looking less intimidating that either Leandre or Thenasus had Yael smiling back at him, and then over at Leandre.  Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad.  She could do this.  Even as stoic as Leandre seemed to be, he didn’t seem to be judging her and he hadn’t been harsh in the slightest. He was just more formal.  Formal she could do.  And he was watching with what looked like genuine concern in his eyes, maybe he didn’t use his words but it was clear that there was more going on under the surface..

After everyone was comfortable and had at least gotten their drinks, Abriella thought it was time to start the introductions.  Because she knew that a few of the girls were nervous, she had done a little last minute reorganization and Arch was now sitting in the middle of the table.  Still there was some trepidation that something would go sideways.  While the females only knew that they would have help and guidance regarding getting settled in the Palace and Imperium, the men they were going to be paired up with had significantly more information on the women they would be assisting and the reasons that they were coming to Imperium.  There were some things that she had kept back, feeling that they were not necessary details or were things best shared by the women, however.  The last thing Abriella had wanted was awkward meetings, and the second was for any of them with traumas to get accidentally triggered by those who were there to help them.  She knew that no one within her inner circle would do that intentionally, and that they would feel an immense amount of guilt even if it was on accident.

Brie was still standing next to Cruz when she started speaking.  In truth she was nervous.  Even with all of the planning, so much could go wrong.  “Gail, not knowing anything about who you really are or your past can be difficult.  Starting a new life on top of that is even harder.  When I was first found and brought to my brother,” Abriella’s hand fell gently on one broad shoulder of her seated brother, who placed his much larger one atop it, fully engulfing it, “and learned of my true nature and what had been withheld from me, it was overwhelming and made my head spin.  You are not alone in feeling as you are, and both Cruz and I will do all we can to help you.  I do have someone I think can help more though.  My personal Royal Guard Thenasus has the ability to delve into the mind and help you discover everything that has been hidden and buried, and do it in ways that will help you to feel comfortable and safe.  He will keep you safe in body, mind, and soul while you are here.  I could think of no one better to assist you in your path of discovery and learning about everything that’s been hidden from you.  I promise, he just looks scary and serious.”  There was a warmth to Brie’s voice and her expression as she spoke.  

As the women had been getting seated, the others had gathered in a room off to the side. That was where Thenasus now came out of.  The tallest of her guards, he was imposing donned all in leather that was ornately embellished yet had clearly seen battle, and Gail swallowed hard.  But the moment he smiled and his face lit up, she visibly relaxed and could not contain one of her own.  

Thenasus had to be close to seven feet tall, his shoulders as broad or broader than Cruz’s, and his look intimidating, but when he smiled his whole face lit up and he almost looked like a young kid.  It was an interesting juxtaposition with his formal leather uniform that she assumed the decorations had something to do with him being in Abriella’s personal guard.  He was striking to look at, his eyes were deep and dark, but that smile made them sparkle and she could see they were a dark brown as the light played off of them.  Black, short, kinky hair looked good against his deep tan skin, and the smile helped soften the harsh expression that his facial hair seemed to give him. He reminded her of…someone…someone whose face was just out of reach.

It had been a long time since Thenasus had had a good mystery to solve.  From everything Brie had told him about Gail Aberdeen, she was one for the ages.  It might take all of his powers and skills to do it, and he might even have to get some help from Talon depending on how much the parasitic being had muddled memories and changed pathways..  Even from across the room, he could read the energy of the woman, and tell that she was going to be a joy to work with.  It would be nice to have a break from the rank assholes that he called friends.  Only problem, that might make him the only rank asshole in the room.  Being able to help her get some peace and answers would be an added benefit to a break from training and exercises to thwart any more sneak attacks from the Princes.  Not to mention he was sure she smelled better than anyone in the training room or on the muster field.

When he had finally come up next to her chair, he bent at the waist to bow to her with a charming smile.  “A pleasure to meet you, Gail.  We will get those answers you seek.  I promise to be gentle, in all things.”  He saw the blush rise to her cheeks and instantly liked her.  A blush meant that she wasn’t so full of herself that a compliment and flirt expected.  Those who were more relaxed and not focused on their own ego tended to be easier to assist, as their thoughts were not as rigid and locked.

A couple of quick pleasantries were exchanged as he took his seat, and then all attention was back on Abriella.  The next introduction was the one he knew that she was most nervous about.  They all were, so he gave her a reassuring smile and wink and noticed Cruz’z hand that was still on hers tighten slightly.  Why she’d decided the most stubborn and stoic amongst the residents of the palace would be put with the most skittish of the new residents, he wasn’t sure; however Thenasus had known his Queen long enough to know that she rarely made decisions without consideration and a very good reason behind them.  While there was no one within the Palace’s inner circle that he did not trust, if things did not go well, it wouldn’t just be Gail’s brain he was having to get into.  While Thenasus could search memories, he could also erase them and he hoped not to have to do that to Yael for her to be able to have a “normal life” of any kind.

After the discussion in Arch’s office, Abriella and Arch had made their way to each of the ladies’ rooms in no particular order.  They wanted to speak with each one about their individual concerns and make sure that any worries were answered fully and there was nothing that was held back because of not wanting others to hear about it.  Some were on board immediately, while others were more reticent to accept the idea without some additional information and thought.  Both Abriell and Arch were understanding of this, after all the women had all been through some traumatic events and some hesitancy to trust others was to be expected after all.

It had taken a few days for everyone to agree and get their things together. Arch and Brie had taken the time to make preparations, talk to others, and ensure that not one detail was missed.Not more than a week, but there had been changes for all of them, and none of them good. Broken hearts, broken minds, broken souls, leading to shattered lives. What they were being offered was a chance to mend all of that and shape something new that could be more beautiful than what they had experienced before.  There would be new people who could help them, guide them to new adventures and experiences that were beyond some of what they had.

After everyone had agreed and all of the preparations had been completed, all of the women assembled in the main foyer of the Sanctuary in New Orleans along with Arch and a couple of the other younger Nephilim who were going to go down into Imperium to train with Brie’s personal Royal Guard.  They were just coming into their majority and wanted to learn some of the techniques that her Guard used when in battle.  The skirmishes with the Princes’ forces were increasing and the elder Nephilim didn’t always have time to do training in between battles, so Brie often took younger Nephilim warriors to Imperium or had some of her guard and soldiers visit Sanctuaries around the globe to assist in training.  It was helping to bolster the fighting ability of all of the Nephilim forces.  The world had certainly changed since the Horsemen had been called and Hell had been revamped, although humanity knew none of it.  That was probably for the better, with the upheaval that would have happened in the major religions, chaos would have ensued.  Like Tommy Lee Jones said in “Men In Black” - “A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky dangerous animals and you know it.”  Sometimes all other beings just avoid telling them things for the betterment of all creation.

It had been decided that on that day, breakfast would be had in Imperium as a group.  To help them become acclimated to life in Imperium, each of the ladies would be assigned their “guide” from Abriella’s inner circle.  Someone that would help them also in overcoming the issues that had first led them to ask for refuge in the Sanctuaries they had started out in before coming to Chicago.  There had been a lot of care taken in choosing those guides, discussions with both Cruz, her father, and her grandfather, Div.  Now she felt assured that her choices were for the best.  As Brie looked at all of them, it seemed surreal that only a few years prior that it had been in that very Sanctuary that she had found her own destiny when it had been revealed her true nature and that Cruz was her brother.  She had gained friends, family, safety and a true home.  Now she was hoping to give that same sense of peace and belonging to her friends that she loved dearly.

Once everyone was ready, Brie traced them to the throne room in the Palace of Imperium.  Palace staff would take their baggage to their quarters, all of which were located in a wing that Cruz had created the previous week after they had finished all the plans for what preparations would be needed for their arrival and stay within the Palace and the realm itself.  Housed within that wing would be the women, the Horsemen, and all of the inner circle.  Originally they had considered only placing the guides and the women there, but Brie feared they would feel isolated and/or shunned being away from everyone else.  As the Palace was almost a living and breathing entity to itself, if there was a desire for any of them to have accommodations that were more secluded it could always be accomplished at any time.  Not to mention that there were empty rooms in unused hallways for a variety of reasons that could be made ready in just a few moments. There were also cottages in various locations around the realm that they could go to if they so desired to get away from the commotion that could sometimes happen when residing in the Palace itself.

As they traced in, Yael took Phaedra’s hand and squeezed it tight. Even though she wanted to be there and have this new start on life, she was dealing with the ever present threat of being overwhelmed by fear and anxiety born of what she had been through in preceding centuries due to her treatment by Gabriel. Abriella, Anna, Gail, and Phaedra had all assured her that there was nothing to worry about at all and Arch had discussed with her at length about all the security measure that were in place due to not only her being there, but also the ongoing wars with the Princes, but she still warred with an anxiety that lay within her breast and threatened to rise up and strangle her with little warning.  Her past haunted her in a way that she could not put to words to explain to anyone, least of all those she loved.  She could feel the calm that Brie was trying to imbue her with, and it was a comfort like she had not known since she had been assigned to the Angelic Legion under Gabriel.  She could only hope that comfort would not fail and that in this new realm that provided the ultimate safety, she would be able to find peace and vanquish the ghosts of her past.

Other than Yael, the other women seemed cautious but markedly more relaxed.  Even with all that Abriella was able to do to try to calm Yael using her empathetic powers, the Nephilim still seemed about ready to have a panic attack at any moment.  It had Abriella second guessing who she had chosen for her.  There had been discussions on what to do if it did not work out, and her brother and Arch both had ideas that seemed promising in that respect..  Hopefully it would not come to that, but no one said any of the males she lived with and around were known for being always overly easy to get along with at first meeting, except for Deacon.  And Deacon did happen to be one of those who were going to be helping Yael, so there was at last that reassurance

“Follow me, ladies and Arch, the chefs are excited to have new victims to unleash their culinary creations upon.  I promise you that you will neither leave hungry nor disappointed in the food ”  Brie gave them a bright smile as she gestured towards a set of gilded double doors along one wall, and led them into the massive and elegant formal dining room.  The room had a wall that was all windows looking out into a courtyard with a flower garden and fountain.  In the middle of the room, centered under a cut crystal chandelier, was a massive dark wood table that was ornately carved. On it were place settings for everyone who would be joining them. Where each of the ladies were to sit were cream colored name cards with gold embossing and Abriella’s flowing script with their names.  Although there were plenty of staff within the Palace, Abriella wanted her own touches on things and so she and her friends had done most of the work for that morning  themselves. In the end they were all like a big family so it meant a lot for them to do it personally rather than assign someone else to.  Those personal touches made it more special. 

Seamus watched Arch pacing in his large stone laboratory in the Palace of Imperium, feeling the tension rolling off of the warlock.  Or was he a sorcerer?  As long as the two males had known each other, Seamus had never quite discerned his true nature.  It didn’t matter in the end, they had always been allies, something that had mystified associates of both males. They both had their secrets, and those secrets included why exactly they were not only allies, but deep and abiding true friends.  It went back longer than anyone could remember, and most of those in the Palace of Imperium had exceedingly long memories.  

“Are you planning on wearing a channel into the stone?” Seamus finally asked when the silence had stretched on to a point that the demon could no longer take it.

“I am thinking.  Unfortunately I am not coming up with answers.  There are things coming Seamus, things I need to stop, but can’t.  Things that shouldn’t happen, but will.”  Arch answered, having come to a stop and pivoting to face him.  The male’s long face seemed longer, the areas under his striking blue eyes seeming to be darker, his dark beard causing his cheekbones to seem more prominent.  His visage made his words feel even more oracle like than they would have otherwise.

“And what are those things, Arch?  You are not alone in stopping things.  All you have to do is walk out of your lair and talk to Abriella and Cruz.  You are telling me that the King and Queen are powerless to?  Or that the Four Horsemen can’t stop what is coming that has you so vexed that you are even more morose than normal?” Seamus had a deep sense of foreboding, and also one that whatever had his old friend in this state was something he did not wish to take to his niece and nephew.

“Do you not think I have considered that?” Arch bit back in a tone that he immediately regretted when Seamus’ brows rose. “Sorry, old friend, as you can see this has brought me to a place of which I am not normally.” A hand scrubbed across his face as he looked to Seamus.  “If Clotho had not so tangled the threads of fate for all involved, then maybe I could.”  A deep sigh came from the mage, “but the maelstrom she created is still being sorted by her three remaining sisters and I do believe they would end my existence in the most excruciatingly painful way conceivable if I further meddled in things.”  He leaned against the counter, his ass just barely perched atop.

“Then you have two choices, you can either keep it to yourself and see if  immortals can have aneurysms or you can share whatever it is that has you in such a state and see what we can do about it.” There was a smug smirk on Seamus’ face and he could tell it slightly irritated the other man. Premonitions and prophecies were dicey issues.  Fuck with them too much and you got yourself in a precarious predicament with those testy bitches, the three Fates who remained.  He had never been on the wrong side of them and never truly wished to be either.

“You will try to intervene, I have known you for far too many centuries to believe otherwise.  When you shouldn’t meddle is when you are most apt to.  This is not a situation that can be.” Arch’s face remained somber, his countenance showing the weight of whatever was tumbling around within his mind. It was not that he did not wish to share the burden of the knowledge that he alone possessed, it was only that he did not know with whom it was safe to do so.

“And if I give you my binding word that I shall not do one single thing to alter what is to happen?  Will you then allow me to assist you in not driving yourself to the brink of madness?” Seamus’ head tipped, his brows rose, and as his steel grey eyes met the piercing blue ones of Arch, there was no doubt that the offer was of the most serious kind.  Sometimes even if you could do nothing to prevent a darkness that was coming, it was better to be prepared for it than to be cough unaware.

The clock on the mantle of the room ticked, the only sound save the breaths of the two men for many minutes.  Finally Arch had contemplated all the angles, ruminated on the trustworthiness of a demon, and made his decision.  “You have heard that Abriella is to bring some of her friends to Imperium?” Seamus nodded, the wariness of the situation clear on his face. “The ball that is coming,” Seamus drew in a breath, his unease clearly showing as Arch continued, “is going to be a time of great upheaval and revelations.”

“Such as?” Seamus was reticent to ask, but he knew he must.  To be troubling Arch this much meant that whatever it was, it was dire. To be prepared, even if one could not stop or alter what must take place would be far preferable to the alternative, especially in the current climate that they all lived in.

Arch’s chin fell to his chest, his eyes closing, and he took a few deep breaths.  His recitation of everything that had been shown to him during his scrying and all that had been prophesied to come was slow and detailed.  With each word that passed his lips, another brush stroke was placed upon the canvas of the picture he was painting within the confines of Seamus’ mind.  Unfortunately he was nowhere near finished when the demon began to get a firm grasp on what had so troubled the mage.  To have carried all of it, and carried it alone, would have been a burden of tremendous weight.  How Arch had not already broken only spoke to the strength of his friend.  Whether that strength would endure was another matter.  It was also something he planned on seeing too personally. It would be a dark time, but they had faced dark times before and were both still standing.

“Do you now see why I have slept little and ate less?” Arch inquired once he had finished detailing all that would soon come to pass.  His eyes now looked more tired and his face seemed to have aged since they had walked into the room a few short hours prior.

“If it is to come to pass then you can do naught to stop it.  All we can do is prepare and be ready when it comes.  It is the aftermath and the yet unknown we must take measures to face.  You are no longer alone in bearing this weight, my friend.” Seamus assured him with a resolute look to his eyes and a firmness to his voice.  “I still have more than a legion of demons that will be ready, although they will know not for what.  As the Princes are still causing havoc on Earth, extra training will not surprise them with new immortals coming to the realm at the behest of my niece.” A slight devious smirk started forming on the demon’s lips as his grey eyes narrowed.  He was devising a plan, and that was never a good thing for anyone coming against him.  He had not lived through the eons by being anything less than cunning and devious.

“But you know what this will bring, what could happen?” Arch did not seem fully convinced that it could all be handled.  There was so much at stake, so much that could be lost if they were not careful.

“Of course. Which is why we will have to devise ways to ensure that all are prepared, even if they don’t realize what they are getting prepared for. You know, a little disinformation spread about in order to attain our goal is not a bad thing if it achieves a good purpose in the end. I am a demon after all, it is not as if lying does not come naturally.” Now Seamus’ lips were at a full smirk and the wink he threw at Arch had the mage rolling his eyes.  No one could forget that Seamus was a demon; and if they ever did, he was quick to remind them in ways that they sincerely wished they hadn’t.

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Tag LIst - @ceph-the-writing-spookkok

When Abriella and Abbadon were mated, there was a change that took place in the realm that had been called the Chistendom’s Hell.  Before their mating, there were truly many levels to Hell; and none of them looked remotely like the depictions that Earthly artists had rendered through the years. There was no fire or brimstone in the sense that had been depicted, no pit with souls writhing about it in it, and in most respects all levels were far more mundane than anything that man’s imagination had come up with to manipulate the masses with through religion.  

Those upper levels of Hell were split from the lower and formed the realm now known as Imperium.  They had always been the levels where the demons, the Fallen, and other creatures that chose or had been cast into Hell called home.  Yes, there were always creatures who had CHOSEN to call Hell home, and those creatures still resided in Imperium.  They were the creatures with darker tendencies or that had been traditionally hunted in the Earthly realm and ones like it.  It was a mix of creatures with a mix of motivations, and has remained that way since the split. The buildings varied in design through the ages of humanity and civilization, covering all of the different cultures that the beings that inhabited it were from.  Those not from the Earthly realm brought designs from their own cultures as well.  While it was varied, there was a strange cohesion to it.

Another thing that remained was the sense of order that had always been there.  The creatures did not prey upon one another and there were rules that were followed.  Beings were tasked with keeping that order and enforcing the rules.  Those who broke them and brought chaos into the upper realms, were cast into the lower realms.  Even amongst those considered “evil” by human standards, there was a code of what could be called honor.  What level and rank you were in those realms, and by default then in Imperium, depended on what rank of Angel you were before the Fall. Other beings were ranked upon power and influence.  

The lower levels of Hell became Caligo, which is still ruled to this day by Abriella as Queen and now her brother Cruz as co-regient King.  Those are the levels of the damned.  They are not the torture pits of lore, although there is no doubt that the torture is their purpose.  Those levels were dark, sometimes pitch black, and it was where the damned were sent and the demons worked.