Half Dead World: Book One from the Apocalypse Tales by Adrienne Hargrove (little readers txt) 📗

times. He has made a decision about something and whatever it is, there is no going back. His jaw hardens, and his eyes take on the steely grey tint of his resolve, inside the green pools of his irises. Then I hear him speak, it’s barely more than a breath but the force of it through his gritted teeth makes me take a step back.

“I will.”

I whisper to Lucius. “Can Fin see them?”

All four angels turn to look in our direction. The warrior looks at me then to Lucius and nods his head just slightly at him. I swear I see the tiniest hint of a smile cross his powerful features. He raises his sword and sheaths it and an instant later they are all gone.

I turn to Lucius prepared to beg for forgiveness, but I am shocked to see a huge, excited smile on his face.

“So…you’re not mad at me?”

He gives me a serious look but can’t help smiling again. “No…but do not ever do that again.”

“I promise to try my best.”

“Haven”

“Alright, alright, I promise. So, explain to me what just happened. Why did the darkness hurt? I thought we couldn’t feel pain. Did Fin see the angels? They were all angels, right?”

“I don’t know why the darkness hurt, other than it was pure evil, and we were far closer to it than we should have been. Yes, they were all angels and no I don’t think he saw them. Some of the living, are seers, they can see certain supernatural things that exist in their part of the world and in ours. It is like most people are born with a veil, or filter that only allows them to see the natural. A seer, on the other hand, does not have this filter or at least not completely. But even among the seers very few would actually see an angel. I don’t think Fin is a seer, but we now know that he is definitely a protector.”

“Well, did he hear them? I am sure I heard him answer the warrior angel.”

“He likely did hear them, but not in the same way you did. It is more accurate to say he felt their presence and their words. But I think Michael gave him a vision when he touched him.”

“A vision of what?”

“I do not know he did not give the vision to me; it was a gift for Fin.”

I blow out an exasperated breath. “Well, do you have a guess?”

“My guess would be a glimpse into the future, a future where he is needed. Now, it is time for us to leave. Fin is safe now, but we should go, or the other watchers may grow concerned.”

“Don’t we need to wait on Mrs. Taylor?”

Lucius gives me a look of amusement. “We need to work on your observation skills, Haven. Have you not noticed that even though the angels have departed, this room and everything in it is glowing with light?”

I look at myself and Lucius, and all around the room. He is right everything is filled with that immaculate warm light. “How long will it last?”

“Long enough for us to get back to the assembly.”

As we start to walk toward the door, I look back at Fin, who is now sitting in the pew with a stunned look on his face. I stop and before I can voice my request Lucius speaks.

“I’ll wait by the door, but please be quick, Haven.”

I look into his grey eyes and see fathomless wisdom and compassion. I wonder how long it took him drifting around purgatory to develop that kind of spirit. I run back and sit next to Fin on the pew.

“Fin, I know you probably can’t hear me, but I hope you can feel me here. I just want you to know how much I love you. I want to tell you how sorry I am that I wasn’t there for you when you needed me most. I should have fought harder for you. I am sorry for every hand that ever hurt you. I wish I could have done something to stop it. You are so brave, and strong, and I know you are meant to do something great. I am going to be praying for you. I’m not sure the weight purgatory prayers have in heaven, but I will pray for you regardless. Please take care of yourself and find happiness and love in your part of the world. I don’t know if Kirra is the one for you, but take care of her for me, she is a special person.”

Fin turns his head and for a second, I think he can see me. I stare into his eyes and then just as quick he turns his head back and drops it into his hands and his back begins to shake as he sobs.

“I’m sorry, Haven, I should have tried harder to keep you from going to Jackson’s. I had this bad feeling about it, that I couldn’t explain, and I didn’t understand, so, I didn’t stop you. I’m going to miss you. I have missed you all these years. I shouldn’t have pushed you away. I just wanted to protect you. I didn’t want you to see how ugly my life is. I love you… you will always be my best friend.”

I wish from the bottom of my weightless heart that souls could cry. I am all choked up. My throat feels like it has I grapefruit stuck in it. My heart feels like there is a knife stabbing it. I think if I could just cry actual tears, some of the pain would ease up. I have this overwhelming feeling I’m not going to see Fin again for a while and I don’t want to leave him. But I know I have put Lucius through enough for one day. So,