“We’re not certain. Raz is researching. He did have a revelation about the girl you fought in the alley in Chicago.”

  “Fought is pushing it a little.” Zoe stood, turning around, leaning back against the iron railing. “I was outnumbered by myself. What’s her story?”

  “She’s a Fallen trying to regain her wings.”

  “Can they do that?”

  “I’m unsure, but Raz said…”

  “Raz said what?” She interrupted me. “When?” Zoe pursed her lips, eyes narrowed. “You’ve been talking to him?”

  I exhaled. “He contacted me a short time ago. I scolded him and made it clear these interruptions would not be tolerated, but he insists we keep the line of communication open during our time apart in case of…”

  “Of what?” She closed her eyes and exhaled. “This isn’t going to happen, is it?” She pulled away. “We’ve been away, what. A day? And he’s already pestering us?” She shook her head. “Why did we do this again?”

  “This is still your holiday, love.” I pulled her back into my arms. “I promise, we’ll be alone. Let’s invite Raz, if you agree, for one day. Then he is, kicked off the boat, as you say?” I winked.

  “Island.” She giggled, the most beautiful sound. “And it’s not a literal island, babe.”

  “I adore you, Chayah.”

  Zoe leaned in and kissed me, then stepped back and tilted her head to the sky that was now mostly sunny, only a few clouds scattering about.

  “Let’s get this done.” She grabbed my hand and pulled me to the staircase, walking us down to the main floor’s living area.

  We got downstairs, and she walked out onto the main terrace.

  “Raz, come on.” She spoke to the wind, glancing around as if waiting for him.

  I tugged Zoe back and kissed her. “Let me be clear how proud I am of you.”

  “Thanks.” She closed her eyes, leaning her forehead to mine.

  A bridge wind opened and a gush of wind stirred throughout the villa.

  “Long time, no see.” Zoe’s tone laced with distress.

  Raz came in followed by Sophie, Elijah, and Lailah.

  I tilted my head and glared. The entire Council, short of the Archs, came.

  Zoe released me and shook her head, crossing her arms over her chest. “Seriously?”

  “One day.” Raz held up a single finger. “And a quick impromptu Council meeting. Then I swear, unless someone is dying, you won’t hear from me or any of us for two weeks.”

  “I mean it.” I raised my voice.

  Zoe set her hand on my cheek and smiled. “Love you, blue eyes.” She turned and went to Sophie and Lailah.

  That was the second time she’d called me blue eyes. It was something she’d said since the beginning of time. Chayah always made reference to my eyes, even since our days as Adam and Eve, but hearing her say it now, I realized she’d not called me that since before this rebirth.

  Perhaps it was a positive sign that her memories were attempting to break through.

  “So glad to see you. You look wonderful.” Lailah hugged her.

  “Thanks. The island agrees with me.” Zoe let go of Lailah and reached for Sophie.

  “Chayah.” Sophie bowed her head.

  “It’s so weird, them bowing and such,” Zoe whispered to me.

  “You’ll get used to it. And well done communicating.”

  “I wasn’t trying. Oops.” She gave me a side smile.

  “So, to what do we owe this visit, Raz? You promised me a honeymoon with my husband.” Zoe set her hands on her hips, though a slight smile still held on her lips.

  “I do apologize for the intrusion. Sincerely. And I wouldn’t have interrupted if it weren’t important.”

  “I know. Still sucks monkey butts.” Zoe closed her mouth and laughed. “Anyway, so a Council meeting, then training? Fine, but I haven’t eaten in hours, and I’m hungry. So we’re going out to eat first.”

  Raz narrowed his eyes.

  “You’re all here, why not go have dinner? Hang out like friends.” Zoe looked around, but everyone wore stoic expressions.

  Everyone except Elijah, who smiled back.

  “That’s a great idea, Zo.” Elijah approached her and gave her a hug.

  Things had been tense for them before the Convergence, given their history together during this incarnation, but since the rescue, the two were once again, close. They shared many gifts, and had often worked together on missions. He was one of her closest friends before the rebirth, it was good to see them friendly once more.

  “All right, let’s go eat. Then we can get down to business.”

  Raz and Sophie exchanged looks.

  “It’s either that or no deal.” Zoe glared. “You’re interrupting my honeymoon, so what I say goes. Take a load off, seriously. I’ve gotta eat. And I’m dying to see the beach, even though it’s way too cold to swim.”

  Sophie glared and opened her mouth, but Zoe widened her eyes, sending Sophie a maternal warning.

  Sophie let out a grunt. “Yes, of course.”

  “So.” Zoe puffed out her chest, glancing around the room. “What’s for dinner?”

  “There are many cafés and shops near the Piazzetta or if you want to see the shore, we can go to the Marina Piccola,” Raz said. “We will discuss the situation in Aravot, with Lilith and Brennan, and the other Eternals. Then we’ll return here for a brief overview of your powers, your training regimen, and discuss what Cade must do to help you practice honing your skills. We agree, you should then be ready for whatever happens, and Cade can continue your training without us.”

  “Then you promise you’ll lay off? Give us a breath to be alone? I mean, really alone. Unless somebody’s dying, I don’t want to hear a peep out of any of you.” Zoe pointed around the room. “Yes, there are things going on, but if we can’t do anything about it, and it’s not the end of the world, leave Cade and me to our honeymoon. I’ve given up the three months, I should at least get my two weeks. Understand?” She exhaled. “Please.”

  “Very nice, love. Asserting your authority. I like it. This aggressive side of you.” I winked.

  She grinned back.

  Raz bowed his head. “Yes, Chayah. As you wish.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Zoe

  We jumped a bridge down to the beach since our villa was high above the island. Cade kept close watch on me as we walked along the shore of the Marina Piccola, following the Elders toward a seaside restaurant.

  Capri was magical. Fortunately, the haze had burned off for a minute, and a brief gift of sunlight shone through the clouds, shimmering off the clear, blue ocean. I could hardly contain my excitement.

  As we followed behind Raz and the others, my gaze skipped along the sandy beaches and beautiful seascape.

  I pranced along the shore like a little kid. It was chilly, but beautiful regardless. I already loved it here. I could totally see the draw.

  Although Cade said I’d been here before, it felt completely new for me. And I was glad for that, it made being here so much better.

  “This place is perfect. I can’t believe we met here once.”

  “It was so long ago, but it remains in my memory as if it were yesterday.”

  “I kind of wish my memories would return, but seeing the island like it’s the first time is still pretty cool, too.”

  “Yes, but at this point, not having your memories is endangering you and making our union unprotected. I’m hoping once Raz trains you, they will return.”

  I blew out a breath.

  He pulled me to him and kissed the top of my head. “We shall find a way to work through it. We always do.”

  We caught up with Raz and the rest of the Council just as they arrived at an Italian café along the beach. Most things were closed now, being winter, but we managed to find a place that stayed open for the locals.

  Since the sun came out, it seemed everybody wanted to enjoy the brief bout of sunlight while they could.

  Quite a few people sat at tables overlooking the rocks of the bay.

  “We can eat out here? I’ve never seen anything like this.”

  We spotted a table large enough to seat us all and ordered drinks and appetizers.

  “All right, let’s get started.” Raz began.

  I shook my head. “Come on, we just got here.”

  Raz pursed his lips, holding back his grumbling.

  Cade glared at him, and Raz shook his head.

  I watched the unspoken banter between Cade and Raz, wondering what they were talking about within their silent conversation.

  Cade said I should be able to hear them by now.

  I had a lot to learn.

  After a five second stare down between the boys, I gave up.

  “Fine.” I scoffed. “Talk. Geez, talk about a buzz kill.”

  “Brennan is indeed, the cross breed.” Raz pursed his lips. “Part human, part demon, part Fallen.”

  “What?” I narrowed my eyes. “All three? How?”

  “He has both Fallen Angelic light and Demon genes from whomever he was created, we suspect Azriel or perhaps Lilith. And he was born, like a human. Like you are each incarnation.”

  “How is that even possible?”

  “Back in the early days of humanity, many Angels fell for mating with humans, forming cross breeds. Nephelium. Azriel and Lilith took that a step further. Brennan is part demon. Not a human turned demon, but from a pure demonic bloodline. Having angelic light within him is the super cell we fear. He is both light and dark. With powers growing every day. It’s possible he could breach Aravot’s borders into the Eternal realm in ways no other immortal could.”

  “How? And does that mean Lilith could get in, too? She’s part Genesis, right?” I blew out a breath. “And wait, how did she even become a demon in the first place? What is she?” I bit my lip. “Demon? Fallen? How did she get her powers?”

  “Lilith is her own immortal variety.” Cade sighed, crossing his arms over his broad chest, leaning back onto his chair. “She was Genesis, like me. When she left the Garden, she technically became a Fallen. It’s complicated. Her powers were generated when ours were.”

  “Huh?” I glared at Cade.

  “When you and Cade became Eternal, so did Lilith,” Raz said.

  “But why? Wasn’t becoming immortal a reward?”

  “Well.” Raz bobbed his head back and forth. “Lilith was part of the same design as Cade. So when he became Eternal, so did she. They were created together, so connected, in a matter of speaking. That’s the easiest way to explain it. Lilith’s powers keep the balance of light and darkness in check.”

  “So she gets rewarded for my sacrifice? How is that fair?”

  “It’s not,” Cade said.

  I shook my head, trying to wrap my brain around all this.

  “Humanity is about balance, Chayah. There is both light and darkness in all humans. Lilith represents the darkness, and Cade, the light. Yin and yang, as they say. Then you came along and tipped the scales in our favor. You are like the human turned Eternal trifecta.”

  “So, the three of us are all linked for Eternity?” I scoffed. “Perfect.”

  “It’s all right, love.” Cade put his arm around me and nudged me close for a second. “We will always have the upper hand so long as our union is strong. Thus the reason our bond remains iron clad.”

  I stared down at my fingertips, rubbing the tops of my nails.

  “You and Cade hold our advantage, but now with this cross breed, we may have lost it. Word is Lilith’s alive and plotting once more to take control of Aravot and infect the Trees.”

  “Hold up.” I tilted up my head. “What did you say?”

  Raz narrowed his eyes.

  “Go back. What did you say? About infecting the Tree?”

  Raz tilted his head, giving me that I’m reading your mind look.

  “Infecting the Tree. What does that mean, like a literal infection?”

  “Similar to when your heart was infected with darkness from the Fallen dagger.”

  “Seriously?”

  “The Tree could become infected with darkness. That’s how its souls turn dark, causing the Tree to die from within. If darkness were to breach the Eternal City, it could overtake the Tree, ushering in darkness to its very core. Effectively ending humanity.

  “No.” My eyes went wide, and sharp pains pricked my temples, like tiny knives were being shoved into my head, pushing out whatever I was thinking. “Son of a bitch.”

  I squeezed my eyes shut and rubbed frantically, trying to thrust out the pain.

  Cade set his hands on my shoulder.

  Lightning cracked across the sky above us, and everyone at the restaurant gasped. The sun was shining and very few clouds hung around. No visible threat of a storm looming.

  Where did that come from?

  “Are you okay, love?”

  I opened my eyes and stared at Cade, blowing out a breath. “I think so.”

  “We’re curious about your visions. If you’ve had any recently,” Sophie asked.

  I shook my head, pursing my lips. “Lots of headaches, though, but if I close my eyes and push on my temples, they go away. I wasn’t able to do that before.”

  “You’re blocking them out,” Raz said.

  “Yeah, that’s what Cade said, too. How do I stop?”

  “You were never strong enough as a human, but as an Eternal, you’re unconsciously finding ways to ignore them. There are tricks we can teach you.”

  “Next time I get a headache, I’ll let you know.” I pressed my lips together. “So what did you find out about that girl? Her aura was weird. It had a shaded color. Almost looked to me like…” I shut my mouth.

  “Like what?” Raz narrowed his gaze.

  “Nothing. I’m just being paranoid.” I peeled at the remains of nail polish on my fingers. I’d let myself go since this whole thing started.

  “They’ll let just about anybody into this realm these days, won’t they?”

  I glanced up at the sound of a sexy European accent.

  A beautiful couple stood beside our table. The woman was tall, thin. Ebony hair, dark olive skin, dark eyes. Exotic. The guy was dark blond, paler and adorable.

  “Loren.” Sophie stood and ran to him, pulling him into a hug.

  Must be her Firstborn.

  The rest of the table stood, including me.

  Cade hugged the woman. “Good to see you, Hannah.”

  She was an Angel, I could tell by her blinding aura. She moved closer and hauled me into a hug. “Chayah. Oh, it’s been so long.” She kissed my cheeks.

  “Um, hi?” I let out a laugh.

  “She’s not retrieved her memories,” Cade said.

  “Really?” The Angel narrowed her eyes. “That’s not good.”

  “I didn’t get your name,” I said.

  “Apologies, I’m Hannah. And this is Lorenzo, my Gemini. We call him Loren. We’re guardians over the European territories. When Raz said you were vacationing in Capri, we wanted to come. It’s been so long since we’ve seen you. How are you feeling, Chayah?”

  “I’m okay.”

  “Loren was the first Eternal Guardian,” Lailah explained.

  Loren bowed.

  Still weird.

  He smiled warmly, stretching out his arms. “May I?”

  “Of course.” I let him hug me. “It’s good to meet you.” I pulled back. “I wish I remembered you.”

  “You will, in time.” Hannah chimed in.

  “She’s blocking them out.” Raz interrupted. “It’s not like before.”

  I rolled my eyes. They were all making way too big a deal over this.

  Hannah pursed her lips. “You’ve done this before.”

  “I have?”

  “Two or three incarnations ago,” Cade said. “Your friend was killed.”

  I closed my eyes, searching for a face, but came up empty.

  “Hmm. You know who may be able to help?” Hannah said. “Zariah and Cassie. Eternal Angels. They’re Guardians like Loren and me. They pulled you from this before, I believe?”

  “I’m going to lose track of all these names. Yeah, whatever we need to do, if it’ll make a difference when we get back to Eternal business.”

  “We’ll gather the troops to help,” Hannah said.

  “Thanks. Would you and Loren like to join us?” I gestured to the empty seats beside me.

  “We’d love to.” Loren pulled out a seat for Hannah then sat beside her.

  A minute later, the waiter brought drinks, and we ordered our meals.

  “How are the breaches here in Europe, Loren?” Raz asked. “We missed you and Hannah at the last meeting.”

  “Just as most of the world, reaching record numbers.”

  “So, explain these breaches. I’m still figuring things out.” I took a drink of my Pepsi, then gripped the glass, circling my fingertip along the rim.

  “There are a number of entryways into Aravot within this world, several located at every continent. Demons try to break through the stronghold of the portals to enter the Eternal city.” Hannah took a drink of her water. “There was a time demons didn’t even know where the gates were, but once Fallen began to emerge, their knowledge and inner workings of the Eternal realm were used to gain entrance. Although to this date, we don’t believe they could even breach the gates given their make up, but we don’t take any chances.”

  I stared out toward the rocky shore of the island as the Eternals continued their banter, and their conversation faded from my hearing. I focused on the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks, and a voice rung in my head.

  “Wake up.”

  A headache started. Nothing like the stabby knives from last time.

  I rubbed my head and closed my eyes. Inhaling, I tried to relax and ignore the dull throb that rose into my temples so I could focus on the visions.

  I had to stop pushing them out.

  “Azriel. Lilith. Brennan. Fallen girl. Micah.” I mumbled names under my breath as their faces ran through my head. “Cade. Remie. Phoebe. Eli…”