"I'm so glad that we're in this house. Did I ever tell you how much I detest hotels?"
It was two days later, and I was sitting out on the balcony of Raphael's new house in the city of New Orleans, listening to my little sister complain. It was true that Gabrielle had always hated hotels, and honestly, so had I. We were all rather thankful that Raphael had pushed his deal through on this place. It was beautiful and spacious enough for us to be comfortable, although our furniture was still limited. But at least we had beds to put Noah and Aiden in, even if the rest of us had to sleep on the floor.
We'd gotten there the night before, and thankfully things had not gotten worse. But we were all on edge about all of it. Gabrielle had not left the house at all since we'd arrived, worrying that something would happen, and she'd be too late to help. Even looking at her now, I could see where she was very worn down. I just hoped that we'd be able to find Eclipse soon. If not, then the worst was coming.
Still, I was concerned about the others too. It had not been easy on Mia, Sara, or Seraphina to stay behind, and Lenore had been extremely unhappy over it. But there was no choice either, and they'd all known it.
As for Sean and Tico, they had come to New Orleans on their own and remained so while they looked into whatever they could find with Eclipse. Both had contacted us about an hour before, but there had been no new information to report. In all honesty, I was beginning to get concerned that we may have been too late.
But as of that moment, I was more concerned about the woman sitting beside me.
"Hey, are you sure that you're doing okay with all of this? You've had a lot of stress on you too." I asked her.
"I'm all right. It's just been exhausting to make sure that a certain sick Nephilim behaves himself." Gabrielle responded curtly.
"So Noah's still trying to insist that he's fine?" I guessed.
"He's such a stubborn boy. He is definitely Raphael's grandson." Gabrielle complained.
"Yes, I know. But seriously, has it spread anymore?" I dared ask.
Gabrielle shook her head, "Not as rapidly. Actually, being down here might be helping a little. It's not as cold, and he seems a little more at ease."
"I also noticed that Sevee's been refusing to leave his side," I added.
"I don't get that one. I've always thought that those two hated each other. But Sevee's acting like he's scared to death about losing him now." Gabrielle noted.
"I think he is. No matter how much they bicker, they still spent a lot of time together that most of us didn't notice. Even though Noah was always close to Seraphina, I saw a lot of times where it was just him and Sevee too. I think that disagreeing has always been natural for them, but they also kept it friendly for the most part." I told her.
Gabrielle let out a long sigh, "Maybe it is, but it makes me wonder if their nasty fights came from that curse too. If Noel was reaching out to him for the last few years, then that curse might've been touching him too, wanting to ruin all of the decent things in his life."
"Maybe." I had to agree.
"Hey, I know that I'm getting a little off subject here, but I've also been wondering why Morosa allowed Ren to come. He did know about Aiden in the first place, didn't he? Plus we did have Lenore. She would've been able to get us down here just as easily." Gabrielle continued.
This was true. Ren and Aiden knew each other quite well, and Ren had hidden Aiden's existence, even when Lumae had questioned it. Morosa most certainly had not been pleased with that one. But I suppose Ren's rank had saved him a lot of scrutiny.
"I guess Morosa has some mercy to him." I stated as I stood up and stretched.
Gabrielle stood with me, "Are you going out?"
"I thought that I'd do a little bit of sight-seeing to help me clear my head. You don't mind, do you?"
Gabrielle shook her head, "No, but please keep your phone on. I'm still worried about Noah suddenly getting worse."
I agreed and headed out of the house. Walking downstairs, I had to sigh to myself. Even though things seemed to be going smoothly, I was still worried about all of this.
It had been a bit of a challenge to move Noah and Aiden. Both of them were exhausted by their problems. Aiden's was from the fact that he was constantly suppressing Noel and the bulk of the curse wrapped around her. She'd begun fighting him hard when the Sumarians had shown up again, the curse overtaking her consciousness. With that, she was driving Aiden down further and further.
Yet, we still hadn't had any luck tracking down the mysterious Eclipse. I was beginning to think that this all may be a hopeless cause. We were about to lose two Nephilim. I was sure that Aiden would die before he let Noel take control like she'd become, and that Noel would be powerless to stop the curse from killing him.
I tried to push the thoughts to the back of my mind. May as well try to explore a little bit there.
I walked around for about half an hour before I found myself roaming the French quarter. I looked through some shops, then decided to head back. I needed to check on how Noah and Aiden were holding up.
But as I passed by one of the dark alleyways, I stopped abruptly. There was something very powerful watching me from there. The feeling wasn't what I'd call ominous, but it wasn't the friendliest either.
I slowly looked over my shoulder towards the darkened opening to see a tall figure in a long cloak and hood standing there in the shadows. It seemed to be regarding me with quiet anticipation.
I remained still as I stared back at it. Although I could sense that this was a male, I couldn't really tell anything else. The hood shadowed his face so well that I couldn't make out any features.
After a few minutes of standing there staring at each other, a deep voice finally spoke.
"Michael Renaldi, I'm going to presume."
"I am," I answered.
"Good. Then come with me," he ordered.
He turned swiftly and move back down the alleyway. But I wasn't about to just blindly follow this thing.
"Who am I following here? Tell me who you are!" I demanded, stepping into the alleyway so that no one else noticed me standing there staring.
"You should know. You've been looking for me."
I felt my stomach knot in shock. This couldn't possibly be him. It was too good to be true.
Still, I was never one to back down. It's a fault that I've had since I was a young boy. So I quickened my pace to follow him.
The figure led me through the dark alleyways until we reached an abandoned church on the outskirts of town. We ducked into a large hole in the side of the left wall, and I looked around as we entered. A musty smell hung in the air, and by the looks of things, this place hadn't been used in decades.
The figure walked over to the front altar and lowered his hood, then turned to face me. I was amazed to see that he had red eyes and a pale face that reminded me of a statue. He was quite handsome, yet darkly so. His hair was as black as night and pulled into a long ponytail behind his back. It accentuated his long, narrow face perfectly.
I had no doubt in my mind that I was looking at the infamous creature known only as Eclipse.
"How very odd that I'd run into you just when I had thought of looking for you. Perhaps I should listen to his orders more often," he stated, sounding a little thoughtful.
"I'll take it that you're Eclipse." I surmised.
"I am. I've heard an awful lot about the Renaldi family, but I would've never guessed that they'd actually want to find me. You must be afraid of much that has occurred." Eclipse noted.
"You may already know some of it, or at least you know about Noel Renaldi escaping from Purgatory," I told him.
Eclipse nodded, "I am aware. It seems the Dregs slipped up on that one. It's been over a month, and they still have not brought her to me. They claimed that they could not find her, although I have the feeling that they feared facing the Renaldis for her"
"Then you know that she's possessed my nephew." I guessed.
"I'd heard the rumors, and when I learned that the Sumarians were active around the Renaldis, I became rather curious about it. She's proven herself to be quite tricky, although I also believe it is from a mix of this curse's control and her desperation to finally escape it." Eclipse commented as he walked over and lit a few of the old candles with a wave of his hand.
"If you knew the rumors, then why didn't you check on it?! It is your job to return those souls, isn't it?!" I argued.
Eclipse didn't seem concerned about my anger. He turned back to me.
"It is. However, I will not intrude on any of their offspring. After all, it's all in a very delicate balance as it is, and that little mistake years ago almost turned it all upside down."
"You mean the Seraphs?" I realized, "You would work under their orders as well?"
"I am only working under one angel's orders, and his at the time were to stay put until he deemed the time was right. I was not allowed to come after her until he said so." Eclipse explained.
So he'd known all along about this, and I betted it was our Seraph who told him to wait. But what was there to gain in making him stay out of it?
"Tell me why then. Why now?" I asked.
"There are some things that I cannot explain, as much as I may wish to. As I said, it was all under orders. However, I will say that I was planning on finding you now. I didn't expect it to be so easy though. Imagine my surprise when I learned that the Renaldis were coming down to New Orleans. How very convenient for me. It meant less travel, although I certainly wouldn't have worried too much if I'd had to. It's my hobby not to stay in one place too long." Eclipse boasted.
"I see. But I'd imagine with your influence and power, it would be impossible for you to do so." I commented, taking a step closer to him.
I was trying to study him now. I'll admit, he was quite intimidating. Those sharp eyes seemed to see everything. I felt like they were looking inside of me at my soul.
Eclipse smiled at me, "You shouldn't fear so much Michael. I have no intentions of hurting you or the others. It wouldn't be in my best interests, and besides, I find you clan Nephilim very intriguing."
"So you're a mind reader as well."
"Not at all." Eclipse corrected, "I can read what's in a person's soul."
Now that one sounded a little frightening. I subconsciously took a step back.
But he moved closer in front of me, and I felt my back go against the stone wall. Still, I tried to act braver than I was starting to feel.
"Is that so? Then tell me, what's in mine?"
"Purity."
"What?"
Eclipse put a clawed hand on the wall to the left side of my head, leaning a little closer to look into my eyes.
"You have the purest soul of any of the Renaldis, although your daughter may be a close second from what I've seen. That's how you are the most powerful. You are the most like the Seraphim who allowed all of you life. That likeness is what drives you to make things right for others. It's also the burden that you carry." he told me.
"Then you know why I was desperate to find you. I want to save them." I informed him.
"I see. You want to save the child that should not have been. But also, you're still hoping to save the one who's being eaten by his darkness." Eclipse surmised, going to the candles again.
"I know that you can remove Noel from Aiden. I've heard that you have the power to do that." I continued, finally pulling myself back away from the wall.
"I can." Eclipse agreed, "However, you're hoping that I can also help save Noah Renaldi."
"Can you?"
Eclipse looked down at the candles for a moment, as if thinking it over, "Tell me, that boy, he killed a woman didn't he?"
"He did, although it wasn't done intentionally," I admitted.
"Intentional or not, for those with angelic blood to develop sickness from a Fallen's power, there has to be a stigma within them, feelings that allow their power to weaken against it. It's not only sin that brings on such a terrible illness, it's pain within the soul. It just takes an act such as causing a death that will awaken it. If the soul is strong enough, then it can repel the sickness. If not, then the Nephilim will more than likely die." Eclipse explained.
"If you're asking what may have caused him to have that weakness, we don't know," I told him.
"Not at all. I would not expect you to. However, as for healing Noah, that may be easier said than done." Eclipse responded, turning towards me with a candle in hand.
"But you're saying that it can be done?" I said as he walked back over to me.
"It can, but would you be willing to do what needs to be done? Everything comes with a price Michael Renaldi, and sometimes, those prices turn out to be high."
"What kind of price would there be for saving the lives of two Nephilim?"
He ignored my question, only sticking to the subject at hand.
"I can remove Noel Renaldi. However, I cannot cure Noah. That can only be done within certain powers, and then, if it is, there is always the old adjective to consider."
"What's that?"
"Simple. A life for a life."
"So you're saying that someone would have to die for him to live?"
Eclipse looked up at the old stained glass windows. Although they were dusty, one could still see the depictions of the religious scenes on them.
"That is to be decided in the end. But I will warn you of it. As I said, some things come with a high price, and sometimes, they're things that we are not willing to pay."
"Oh come now Eclipse. Don't make us sound like the bad guys."
We both looked over to see a young man sitting on the ledge of the stained-glass window over the front entrance. He looked maybe eighteen or nineteen years old and had the lightest blue eyes that I'd ever seen. His face was soft and elegant, and his wavy, shoulder-length blonde hair bordered on white.
But looking at him, I got the strangest feeling of déjà vu. I had seen this man before. I was sure of it. But suddenly, it was like I could not place him.
"Malakai." Eclipse said solemnly.
"Well, don't look so happy to see me, Eclipse," he replied.
"What are you doing here? I can't imagine that they've already found out that I found Michael Renaldi." Eclipse stated.
Malakai jumped down to us.
"Of course not. I just couldn't wait around while you took your dear sweet time." he lightly chided him.
"A friend of yours Eclipse?" I asked, though I sensed that this guy was very powerful. In fact, his power was very familiar to me. Could he have been an Angel? Was that why I was so sure that he was familiar?
Eclipse sighed as Malakai smiled at him. It was odd, but Malakai seemed very glad to be there.
"Malakai is the one that they were sending with me to help you. He's a Cherubim," he explained.
"It's nice to finally meet you again Michael." Malakai greeted me as he offered me a hand.
"So you're an Angel," I noted. I took the offer and shook his hand, but as I did, I felt that same familiarity pass through me. There was something different about this Angel. I was sure of it. But as I thought that, I realized just what he'd said. Meet you again, "We've met before?"
"You could say that. At least, I know you well from a distance." Malakai responded.
So he had at least been watching us. But I still felt a bit skeptical about all of this. I couldn't explain it, but I felt like I wasn't being told the whole truth here, both from him and Eclipse.
But I was pulled out of these thoughts by Eclipse speaking again.
"Either way, he's probably your best chance at helping the boy. That is, if he can do anything at all at this point," he told me.
Malakai gave him a sour look, "Come now Eclipse. You know that I have taken many steps in this, and I will not allow such a thing to happen. There's been enough lost." he informed him.
I stared as he said that, feeling shocked by his words. But before I could say anything to it, I suddenly heard my cell phone ring. Taking it out of my pocket, my heart beat harder at seeing the number. It was Gabrielle.
Slowly, I unlocked and answered it, "I'm here."
"You need to get back right now! Things are getting worse, and we need you right away!" Gabrielle demanded.
"What happened?" I asked, trying not to sound too frantic. All I needed right now was for her to panic more.
"Noah became very sick a few minutes ago, and he just threw up blood. I need you back here now. I've also called Raphael. He's on his way." Gabrielle managed to explain.
"Okay, I'll be there shortly," I promised before hanging up.
Malakai took a deep breath, putting two fingers between his eyes as he looked down.
"This isn't good. I didn't think that it was going to spread this quickly. We must go now." he muttered. He then grabbed mine and Eclipse's wrists, "Close your eyes. This is the fastest way for us to get there."
We followed his orders, seeing no other choice in the matter; and all at once, I opened my eyes and found that we were standing outside of the door to Noah's room. I hadn't even felt us being brought there.
But I had no time to really think about it. Instead, we hurried in to see what was going on with Noah.
What greeted us was horribly frightening, to say the least. There was a puddle of dark blood on the floor, and Noah was keeled over near it with Sevee and Gabrielle beside him.
"Oh, thank God, Michael..." Gabrielle started as she looked up at me. But she stopped short at seeing the two with me.
Malakai quietly knelt behind Noah.
"It's okay now. You can breathe again," he whispered, placing a hand on his back.
Noah relaxed, then slowly looked over his shoulder at him.
"Who are you?" he asked softly.
Malakai gently smiled at him, "Let's just say for now that I may be your saving grace."
"Michael, what's going on here?" Gabrielle asked. I could hear the disbelief in her voice.
"It seems like we're finally getting some help," I told her.
"And not a moment too soon," Eclipse noted as he stood back and watched us.
Malakai stood up, helping Noah to stand as well.
"What did you do to me?" Noah asked him.
"It wasn't that much. I just slowed down the process a little and healed some of the major damage. You're quite lucky. If I hadn't been able to come down now, you might have died with that attack." Malakai informed him.
Near them, Sevee was studying him.
"So what exactly are you supposed to be?" he asked.
"Show some respect Sevee. You're looking at an Angel." I informed him.
"An Angel? Him?" Sevee said in disbelief.
Malakai just smiled at him, "I've gotten that a lot over the years in this form, so I'm not too worried about it. Besides, you seemed pretty relieved that your cousin is better now."
"Yeah, yeah. I'm good now." Sevee huffed, sitting back down on the bed.
I think everyone in there knew it was a bluff. He'd been very scared when we'd gotten there. In fact, I could see that he was still trying to hide the tears in his eyes.
"Okay, Michael. I think you need to explain all of this now." Gabrielle sighed, leaning back against the wall.
I could see how tired she looked. Obviously, she'd been prepared for anything by the time we'd gotten there.
"Well, we actually got lucky this time. This is Eclipse and Malakai. They're on orders to step in and help us with Aiden and Noah." I explained.
Gabrielle studied them closely, "So you're the one. The infamous Eclipse, according to Raphael." she finally said.
"Raphael should watch what he says. He's made a bit of a name for himself beyond the Veil as well." Eclipse informed her.
"Are you feeling better now Noah?" Malakai asked, looking over at him.
"I'm fine," Noah answered quietly as he sat by Sevee.
I noticed that Sevee was scowling at Eclipse. That wasn't a good sign. He was getting ready to challenge him about something.
"So you're supposed to be the one who can send that she-devil back to Hell?" he asked him.
"I am." Eclipse replied.
"Then tell me this. If you're in charge of sending souls to where they're supposed to go, then why did you let Missy Renaldi go for so long and torment me?" Sevee went on, a bit of anger now seeping into his voice.
"She wasn't part of my division, and unfortunately, we seem to have some who are lacking in their drive at times. It tends to make things rather difficult when others have to pick up their slack, including myself." Eclipse explained.
"I'm sorry about all that happened to you throughout the years with her. Unfortunately, the issue that Eclipse is speaking of is quite rampant with some of them, and in the past few years, there has been much weeding out, to put it in layman's terms. It's unacceptable for such things to continue, and we are determined to make it stop." Malakai added.
"You know, you keep talking like you know us," Sevee noted.
"I do." Malakai confirmed, "I know all about you, and I've been watching for a very long time. Perhaps I even know you better than you know yourselves at times."
Once again, my suspicions were there with his words. There was something about Malakai that both he and Eclipse were hiding. In fact, I was now entertaining one theory that would have fit perfectly, even though I couldn't place his face as the same I'd seen in the picture at home with Annabelle. Could he have been our Seraphim?
But for the time, I didn't say anything to it. I just resolved that I would speak to Raphael in private later.
"Well, I'm glad that you're both here. I was beginning to think that we were going to lose him." Gabrielle sighed.
"Don't worry. I'll make sure that Noah is healed and Aiden is freed. We'll make things right." Malakai promised.
I'd love to say that I wasn't worried anymore as I heard those words, but somehow, I knew that it was far from over. We may have found the ones we were looking for, but things were far from over.
And what Eclipse had told me about Noah's illness was more than frightening. Would we really have to make a sacrifice in order to save him? And more importantly, would Noah allow us to do so?