I watched in awe, playing piano from the corner of the stage.

  Remie sang sweetly to his girl.

  Phoebe cried her usual happy tears.

  Being Eternal was amazing, but I did kind of miss the human side of living. It was something I’d never have again, and to be honest, with watching the scene unfold before me, I was a little jealous of my best friend.

  Remie’s words reminded me, though.

  This journey of falling in love time after time was pretty freaking sweet.

  I glanced at my Gemini sitting beside me as I played.

  Cade’s gaze was glued to mine, an expression of pure peace exuded from him.

  He really did adore me. It was written all over his face.

  I realized then there was absolutely nothing to be jealous over.

  I had my Gemini, and this was exactly how it was meant to be.

  Now Phoebe would have hers too.

  We played the last chords of the song, and Remie set down the guitar, moving toward his girl.

  Phoebe rose to her feet, and Remie pulled her into his arms, whispering into her ear.

  She nodded, eyes sealed tight.

  Remie pulled back, his hand ran along her cheek, and he kissed her slow. Gentle. Loving.

  I totally swooned.

  I may not be nurturing, but I was definitely a hopeless romantic.

  “This is the best surprise anybody could ever give me.” Phoebe laid her forehead to his.

  Remie smiled, visibly trembling.

  “No,” he said, pulling back an inch. “This is.”

  He dropped to his knee and pulled out a ring.

  Phoebe gazed down at him, hands over her mouth.

  “Phoebe Kinkaid. You are the best thing that’s ever happened to me. My past, present and future. I came to life the day we met, and I want to spend Eternity with you.” Remie’s voice shook. “Will you marry me?”

  Phoebe dropped to her knees and held his hands in hers, nodding. “Yes, Remie. Of course, yes.”

  “I love you, baby.” Remie slipped the ring on her finger and pulled her into his arms.

  Cade draped his arm around my shoulder, and I laid my head on him.

  “That is the epitome of human,” I said.

  “What do you mean?”

  “You asked me in Chicago, what it meant to be human.” I nodded my head to Phoebe and Remie, holding each other, celebrating their future. “That.”

  I wiped away my tears.

  “That’s what it means to be human.”

  Chapter Nine

  Cade

  “Isn’t it beautiful?” Phoebe came over to show Zoe her ring.

  “Oh wow, it’s perfect Phoebs.” Zoe smiled and stood. “See you soon.” Zoe bent down and kissed my cheek, then they walked off together to show Rainah and the other girls.

  On the outside, Zoe appeared happy. Content even, but to me, it was clearly an illusion.

  I was beginning to understand Zoe’s love for humanity through Phoebe. In past incarnations, we’d never spent time with humans. In reality, in the five thousand plus years we’d been doing this, I hardly spent any time at all with humans other than rescuing them, rare soul retrievals, or transitioned demon banishments.

  Zoe loved humanity. A love I seldom understood. Though seeing through Phoebe’s eyes, hearing of the life she hoped to have, a life she would sacrifice for—it truly put humanity into perspective, allowing me to understand my Gemini more, to see the sacrifices Zoe made, time and again, giving things up for herself so those like Phoebe could have them.

  Although Zoe would never admit it, she felt something was missing since Eternalizing. I needed to discover what it was and remedy the situation.

  For all the sacrifices Chayah had made, she deserved happiness of her own.

  “How’s it going?” Elijah slapped my back as I rose to my feet.

  “Can we speak in private for a moment?” Raz tipped his head to the side, motioning for us to relocate to a quieter location.

  I followed them to a small meeting room inside the Great Hall.

  “What’s going on?” I folded my arms across my chest.

  “We wanted to speak to you concerning your plans for the next few weeks.”

  “Zoe and I will go to Chicago to get her things at the apartment and tie up that chapter, then take a month off, if that’s all we can spare. Why? What have you learned?”

  “Lilith.” Raz sighed. “She’s free.”

  “What?”

  “She’s not banished, I’ve seen her.” Elijah sighed. “She’s recovered and back in charge, determined to retaliate.”

  “Yes, and whispers say Azriel has ascended ranks. He’s more aggressive, building troops, increasing numbers within Fallen and demon factions. And there’s something else.” Raz lowered his voice. “Another whisper, which causes great concern.”

  “Explain.”

  “According to my sources, the dark factions may have a secret weapon.”

  “What sort of weapon?”

  “A genetically engineered hybrid.”

  “A what?” I’d never heard of such a thing. Or even the possibility.

  “Some rumblings have been floating about. Due to the multitude of prophecies about you, the one Lilith spouted to you in Aravot.”

  “What prophecy?”

  “They call it the Evanescence Prophecy. Adam will fall, ushering in the darkness. It’s been around a thousand years or more, inspiring the dark armies to initiate the process. By cross breeding a Fallen and a demon. With a human.”

  “That’s ridiculous.” I began to walk off, but Raz clutched my shoulder.

  “It’s not,” Elijah said. “I’ve seen him. And so have you.”

  “Seen who? And why has no one discussed this before now?”

  “We weren’t sure until recently.”

  “What do you know? And who’s this half breed your spouting about?”

  “We believe it’s Brennan.”

  “That minion in Chicago? No.” I shook my head and let out a chuckle. “That boy is no threat to us.”

  “He is. And he could be our undoing.”

  I scoffed. “No.”

  “It’s true.” Julian walked in the door. “I’ve seen him in action. He has wicked skills.”

  “How in the hell could this happen? Are you slipping, Raziel? You’re supposed to be the Angel of Wisdom, yet you allow the Fallen and demon factions to create some half-breed super power to dismantle Genesis? And right beneath your nose.”

  “Cade.”

  I put up my palms to stop his rambling. “I’ve been on alert since Zoe’s last incarnation. I’ve neither seen nor heard anything of the sort.”

  “They’ve hidden the minion well. He was a child, like Zoe. Raised from birth.”

  “Where is there to hide that we cannot breach?” I scoffed. “Really, Raz.”

  “The Sixth and Seventh planes.”

  “What?” I inhaled a sharp breath.

  There were seven levels to the dark realm. When Zoe and I were trapped there, we were in the Fifth. Beyond that, the darkness was so enrapturing, few souls could escape unscathed.

  Any soul would descend into madness being trapped below the Fifth for long.

  Elijah nodded. “Zoe and I have ventured into the Sixth once or twice. It’s tolerable for a time, more so for her given her mental gifts, but longer periods can be…” His voice trailed off.

  “Word is the child was born and bred there. Darkness is engrained in his make up. The strength of his powers could match that of any high-ranking Archangel. And because he was bred there—well, he could be impossible to defeat.”

  “How? What powers?”

  “He can breach any mind, yet his is protected,” Raz said.

  “I’ve seen him attempt to breach our borders.” Julian added. “And almost succeed. He’s young. At this rate, it’s only a matter of time before he gets past us.”

  “No human or demon can ascend into the Eternal realm.”

  “We think it’s his mixture of darkness and light. That’s why he can breach them. I’ve not seen him do it, but I’ve seen him try.” Julian sighed. “And he’s getting stronger.”

  “Are you sure Brennan is the cross breed?”

  “Julian and Nate have been trailing him, analyzing his moves. His powers. He seems capable of things no newly transitioned demon could. We’ve got a team on him now,” Elijah said. “Hoping to confirm any day. To be honest, only Zoe can tell for sure. She’ll need to read his aura.”

  I braced my neck, exhaling. “And you said this is related to this Evanescence Prophecy. How?”

  “It began with a rumor,” Raz said. “Whispers of the fall of Genesis. The effects were enough that it inspired the Fallen and demon factions to take matters into their own hands. Fast forward the process. As Brennan had ties to Zoe in Chicago, we suspected there was more to this than met the eye. Unfortunately, we know nothing for certain. Everything is merely speculation at this point.”

  “If this cross breed is as much a threat as you believe, we have no time for guessing games. You need to find out. Now.”

  “We’re working on it. We need the Eternal Mother in full power, to return and reign over Genesis. And we should discuss soul retrievals. Increasing our numbers. If this cross breeding experiment is successful, they may create more. That means using humans. Manipulating free will. If demons are bred, it could be a determining factor to cease the Tree’s rejuvenation all together. If they cannot be stopped, this will surely be the end of humanity. And perhaps Genesis.”

  “That would break Zoe.” I ran my hands through my hair.

  “We know. We believe this could be the root of the prophecy,” Raz said. “If Adam falls, so will Eve.”

  This changed everything.

  “So we’ve increased our patrol?” I asked.

  “We have,” Julian said. “But as I’ve said before, our forces are weak in numbers.”

  “How weak?” I clenched my fists.

  “It’s not looking good,” Elijah said.

  A knock came outside the door, and Nate walked in.

  “We’ve just shared the news with Cade about the cross breed and the impending uprising.” Raz stood beside me.

  Nate pursed his lips. “Yes, breaches are doubling daily. The Firstborns, even along with the Angel and Guardian troops, can’t keep up. We need to push the Newborn’s training and assign a soul retrieval team. We need all the warm bodies we can get.”

  “And what of your match with Rainah?” I asked Julian. “We need you and your team at its strongest. That includes your Gemini.”

  Julian’s face turned red. “I haven’t told her yet.”

  Raz narrowed his eyes. “And why not?”

  Julian held up his palms. “Since when is it my job to play matchmaker? Isn’t this boss lady’s gig?”

  “I will speak with Chayah,” I said. “This is new to her, too. She’s unsure of what her duties entail without her memories. Speaking of, she also needs training. Especially now with all the uncertainties of this cross-breed situation. She must be trained if she’s to be protected.”

  “Agreed.” Raz nodded. “All the more reason to shorten your holiday.”

  “My Gemini and I will decide the fate of our holiday.” I grumbled. “In the meantime, you must get these Newborns trained and assigned. And find out what you can about this cross breed. Confirm if Brennan is, indeed, him. I will discuss this with Zoe, and we’ll join in training after our holiday.”

  “Where are you going?” Raz asked.

  The door flew open, and Zoe walked in. “There you are,” she said. “What’s going on?”

  I reached my arms out for her and pulled her close, kissing her cheek. She smelled so good. This was the last place I wanted to be.

  “So.” Zoe started. “Phoebe has a request. She wants to get married.”

  “Is that not what a proposal is?” I asked.

  Zoe narrowed her eyes and smiled. “I mean now.”

  “What?” Raz’s voice cracked.

  “Phoebe said she wants to do it now. Today. But—I don’t know how that works, so I came to ask you.”

  “Gabrielle usually performs a Convergence Ceremony at the Angels Arch. In Aravot,” Raz said. “But Phoebe’s human, she’s not allowed.”

  “It’s a human wedding. What’s wrong with doing it here? At the Great Hall?” Zoe asked. “This is important to her and under the circumstances, I’m okay with it.”

  “Julian, go see if Gabrielle will join us,” Raz said. “We’ll ask her.”

  “Ask me what?” Gabrielle walked in holding the Genesis immortality cup.

  “What’s this?” Raz asked.

  “May I speak to Zoe in private for a moment?”

  “Of course.” Zoe kissed my cheek, then walked off to speak to Gabrielle in the corner.

  “This is highly unusual.” Raz’s voice was gruff.

  “Chayah is right,” I said. “We all know their Convergence will not be official until Phoebe can enter Aravot, I see no harm in allowing the child some happiness, however brief it may be.”

  Gabrielle handed her the chalice and kissed Zoe on the cheek. They both walked toward us. “I believe the Eternal Mother is prepared to perform her first human marriage ceremony.”

  Chapter Ten

  Zoe

  “What are you thinking, love?”

  Strong arms wrapped around my waist, tugging me to his chest. Yum. I was looking forward to officiating my first wedding as Eternal Mother, but damn, did I want to spend time alone with my own man.

  I understood now why people took honeymoons. And I was ready for mine.

  “Wouldn’t you like to know?” My tone dripped with sexy innuendo.

  “You’re thinking just as I am. It’s time for our holiday.”

  “Mmm-hmm.” I hummed beneath my breath.

  Cade’s intoxicating scent was making me want to turn around and demand he take me home right here and now.

  “Soon, Chayah.” Cade leaned in dropping light kisses along my neck, making me tingle from my toes to my fingertips. “First, let’s wed your best friend.”

  “You mean marry off.” I giggled. “Fine, but after that, you.” I turned around and stepped up, our lips fractions apart. “Are all. Mine.”

  I rubbed noses with him and kissed him slow, tugging at his bottom lip with my teeth.

  Man, did I want him. Ugh.

  “Alright, if you’re marrying us, who’s going to be my maid of honor?” Phoebe asked, standing beside me.

  “I’d be more than happy to do double duty today, girl.” I grinned. “You wearing that?” I pointed at her winter clothes and shook my head. “No way. We can do better than that.” I turned to Cade and kissed his cheek. “I’ll be right back.”

  I left searching for Gabrielle.

  “Ladies?” I walked up to Sophie and Lailah, talking to Gabrielle by the make-shift stage.

  It was almost crazy how the Newborns took after their parents.

  Rainah was a fiery red head like Sophie. Remie, a sandy brunette like Raz. And Micah, he had the same nose as Eli, with chestnut hair and hazel eyes like Lailah.

  “Chayah.” They bowed.

  So. Weird.

  “I need some help. Phoebe needs a dress, and we need flowers. A cake. This has to be real. Can we pull something together?”

  “Absolutely.” Lailah smiled, all giddy. She was a romantic, just like me.

  Sophie was slightly more reserved. “We’ll take care of the dress and cake. Perhaps take Julian and pick some flowers from your Garden. Phoebe will appreciate the gesture.”

  “That’s perfect.”

  I bounced off to find Julian. He stood over by Micah and Remie, but his gaze was glued to Rainah’s ass.

  I rolled my eyes.

  “Jules. Got a job for you.” I approached him.

  “Chayah.” The corners of his lips curved up. “What’s up, boss lady?”

  I need you to take me into the Garden. My portal skills are a bit rusty still, and I want to pick some flowers for Phoebe.”

  “No problem.”

  He linked his arm with mine, and we went to a small room inside the Great Hall.

  “You wanna try?” Julian asked.

  I scrunched up my face, and he laughed.

  “One time, boss lady.”

  “Fine, but if we end up in Siberia, don’t laugh at me.”

  “Deal.”

  I sucked in a breath and squeezed my eyes shut, visualizing the Garden. I slowly spoke the Latin incantation. “Aye pear-ee-eck Ahhh-steeee-um.”

  A light breeze whipped through the room, and I was suddenly freezing my ass off. I peeled open my eyes, and we realized we now stood outside the Great Hall. In at least a foot of snow.

  “Perfect.” I scoffed, throwing my hands onto my hips.

  Julian laughed. “Good try. I’ll save you, my lady.” He bowed.

  “Aperiesque ostium.” Julian spoke the chant I mutilated two seconds before, opening up a shimmering bridge wind.

  Julian grabbed my hand and pulled me through.

  Portals leading into Aravot were calming. Peaceful.

  The world around us went dark for a split second then a whole new world appeared, replacing the dead of winter with the warmth of Aravot.

  “Yeah, I need to learn to do that.”

  “Keep practicing, you’ll get it.”

  We were standing in the Garden, a comfortable seventy-eight degrees.

  “I don’t miss the cold.” I grumbled as I spotted a patch of flowers near my Tree. I had to focus. Every time I was near the Tree of Souls, I’d get distracted and some bloom would call me over to say its goodbye.

  “So, um.” Julian stammered. “Are you going to tell Rainah about us, or am I supposed to?”

  “How are things with you two?”

  “They’re going.” He held back a laugh.

  I stooped down and rifled through the flowers, picking out my favorites: Pink calla lilies, and of course, my peonies that smelled so good.

  “Do you want me to talk to her?” I asked. “I don’t really know how any of this works. Nobody’s told me anything.”

  “Me either.” He kicked at the tall cattails growing alongside a path leading to the Trees. “From what I know, once a couple’s been matched, they need to get together as soon as they can. That sure isn’t happening.”