On Angelic Wings

Copyright © 2017 by Adam Gowans

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or portions thereof, in any form. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. The views expressed herein are the responsibility of the author and do not necessarily represent the position of the publisher. For information or permission, write: authoradamgowans@gmail.com.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, dialogue, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons (living or dead) is entirely coincidental.

Editorial work and production management by Eschler Editing.

Cover design by Dafeenah Jameel at Indie Designz.

Interior print design and layout by Ben Welch.

eBook design and layout by Marny K. Parkin.

Published by Scrivener Books

First Edition: March 2017

ISBN 978-0-9986254-0-9

Contents

Acknowledgments

In Six Days

chapter 1

chapter 2

chapter 3

chapter 4

chapter 5

chapter 6

chapter 7

chapter 8

chapter 9

Fifteen Days Later

chapter 10

chapter 11

chapter 12

chapter 13

chapter 14

That Night

chapter 15

chapter 16

chapter 17

chapter 18

chapter 19

Six Years Before

chapter 20

chapter 21

Six Years Previous

chapter 22

chapter 23

chapter 24

chapter 25

chapter 26

chapter 27

Undisclosed Future

chapter 28

chapter 29

chapter 30

In Six Days

chapter 31

chapter 32

In the Near Future

chapter 33

chapter 34

chapter 35

chapter 36

chapter 37

chapter 38

In Six Days

chapter 39

chapter 40

chapter 41

chapter 42

chapter 43

In the Future

chapter 44

chapter 45

chapter 46

chapter 47

One Week Later

A Note to My Readers

About the Author

Acknowledgments

My first thanks goes to Alan Hill for being my first beta reader when I started writing in junior high, Teresa Bowman for reading the first stages of On Angelic Wings, and Chelsea Dorn, Anna Siguenza, and my father for reading the first draft. I also thank my sister Shannon for reading one of the last drafts.

I must also acknowledge my high school teacher Miss Merrell for her support and encouragement. She read a lot of my early writing, which makes me cringe whenever I reread it, and I am grateful that she told me I was good. She had the power to crush my love of writing but nurtured it instead.

To Heidi Brockbank at Eschler Editing, thank you for helping me to see many failings in my characterizations of Avalys and Jayd that needed work. I hope they are stronger characters now. I also thank Michele Preisendorf for doing the proofread and all the others at Eschler Editing who helped me in this process.

My last thanks goes to my classmate, whoever you may be, for making a comment during our English homework assignment that my ideas could be a book. I don’t know if I would have started writing seriously without you.

In Six Days

Harold stood beyond the ring of emergency responders as explosions rocked the warehouse in front of them, causing it to collapse. The ground rumbled, forcing them all to back away as liquid burst from under the ruins and soaked the block. Harold smelled the pungent fumes of chemicals he knew all too well. He seethed that Tyson would cause such destruction amongst the four crime families in his obsessive need to kill Avalys.

Shouts from the responders went up—there were survivors—and they rushed to grab all the members who ran out of the spray. Harold knew the police could only arrest those they had sufficient evidence against, which would mostly be Akuma members like Tyson and many Lura members, since most of their businesses were illegal. The police would arrest few Scintilla members, along with the rare Enkeli member, since most of both families’ businesses were legal and vital to Andolton’s economy—or in the Enkeli’s case, the global economy.

The responders sedated several members, then the ambulances and police cruisers sped away. Harold watched more survivors scramble, limp, or crawl out of the debris and spray into the waiting clutches of the remaining responders. Then he noticed several members supporting others, helping them out of the spray before turning at its edge to find more casualties. He was relieved to see that one helper was Avalys.

He reluctantly left the scene to drive to the city’s hospitals and watch the chemicals’ effects on the survivors. He used his pass as a scientist to enter observation rooms above the surgery rooms used to treat the survivors. With one man, Harold witnessed fluid as bright as light seep from the patient’s every pore. He witnessed a woman’s body flicker as though it were on fire and a teenage girl’s skin slacken to become the consistency of clay before snapping back into place. He witnessed these same wonders in others, but he also watched others die. Then he found Avalys.

The medical staff worked furiously to clean her. Every strand of hair on her body fell off, her long red hair creating a halo around her now-bald head. It was unbelievable she was still alive after her long exposure to the chemicals.

Something caught his eye. Avalys’ hand twitched. It was the first sign of life that came from her. The staff paused when they saw it, and hope filled their movements and voices until the twitch turned into a seizure. The medical staff stood back as she crashed to the floor. Tears streamed down Harold’s cheeks, and he was ready to turn away when Avalys suddenly lay peacefully still. The staff leaped forward as the heart monitor flat-lined.

A doctor reached for the defibrillator paddles as a nurse charged them while the others moved to lift her, but Avalys’ body darkened, and a thick, black liquid oozed out of her skin. Most of the medical staff stepped away while Harold watched, captivated.

The doctor did nothing as the liquid oozed out of her skin. Even Harold thought it was useless and was about to leave, but the ooze slowed and stopped, running smoothly away. The medical staff took a tentative step forward as it drained away, but they stopped again as her body brightened.

It was as if her body was the source of light. The light grew brighter and warmer until it was so great that the sun would have appeared to be a black hole. Everyone’s eyes were glued to the sight, for the light did not blind them, and the warmth that radiated from her was incredibly pleasant. At the height of her brilliancy, her heartbeat returned and the light was extinguished, but the warmth remained.

chapter 1

Avalys came out of the wide, folding glass doors of the mansion and onto the wide porch that wrapped around the back to the east lawns to her right. Though spring had just started, Andolton’s climate was mild and warm enough to allow an array of plants to thrive and bloom. Many trees and flowers were blossoming, perfuming the air with a variety of sweet yet tart fragrances.

Her expressionless face broke into a pleasant smile as she greeted the gardeners while she took a leisurely pace down a flagstone path leading to a stone gazebo located near the middle of the vast grounds. A ring of flowering trees surrounded the gazebo, each tree bearing different blossoms, and a small stream weaved through it. A spring in the middle of the grounds fed the stream that sprang from and surrounded a giant stone lotus-blossom fountain.

The gazebo had flower troughs at its bottom edges and rails. Flower baskets hung from its eaves. She climbed two steps and sat on a cushioned bench, taking in a deep breath and closing her eyes. She stayed like this for some time.

Are you thinking about your family?

She opened her eyes and focused on Sandra, her aging guardian. I was. Her chest warmed just talking about them. We used to go to the parks to play and find a nice, quiet place to rest and wait for animals to make sounds.

You miss them a great deal this time of year, then, Sandra sat next to her, studying her with warm brown eyes.

In a confiding mood, Avalys leaned in toward her. I miss them every season.

Was there a tradition for each one? Sandra pressed lightly.

We’d go to the parks in spring, the lakes in summer, horseback riding in the autumn foliage, and ice skating in winter. Speaking the words brought pain.

It sounds lovely, Sandra patted her knee, but we have a lot to do.

She grinned, thankful that Sandra knew it was time to change the subject. So what’s the big class? Is it math, history, or . . . something else?

Sandra chuckled. It’s something else.

Great, she sighed.

This time Sandra laughed. I know you have mixed feelings about learning the family’s workings, but it’s important.

I know, she said, feeling a little sheepish. You made it seem like you’ll be going more in-depth than usual.

I will, Sandra said. I want you to be prepared before I go.

She stiffened, panic trapping her. What do you mean?

I know you’ve noticed my new stench.

She felt her expression melt into a plea. Sandra—

Sandra squeezed her knee for a moment. I’m not young. Tondra will fill my seat on the council, which means the other leaders will ask someone to fill the new vacancy.

You can’t mean—I’m not twenty-one yet!

You will be in five days.

Terror started to overwhelm Avalys as she thought about Tyson, but she could never bring him up—only his family. "What about the Akuma?

Sandra took her hands and looked her in the eye. We have always protected you from them—from him—and as a leader, you will be guarded when you leave the mansion. Avalys, I’m far older than anyone in the families. I have served on the council for too many years. It’s time. You are intelligent, the council trusts you, and you’re levelheaded about ninety-six percent of the time, so I asked the council to consider you.

Avalys bowed her head in submission though her fear remained. Do you really think it’s the best option?

Sandra smiled. Many know you have changed us, made us better, and love you for it, and we know you love us. She leaned in closer, acting conspiratorially. I think you can be the best leader the families have seen.

Avalys merely nodded since thinking about the prospect numbed her.

Remember, Sandra squeezed her hands affectionately, you can decline. I only ask that you take it under serious consideration.

I will.

Sandra looked relieved.

Avalys stood in a workshop that smelled like greased metal among walls filled with gun parts, gun charts, and half-finished to fully-finished gun designs. There were the occasional parts or charts for other weapons and explosives as well. She was at odds with herself. On one hand, she was nervous to have so many weapons around her, but then she was fascinated with what Harold, the weapons master, was saying. He talked about his weapons experiments, how the Enkeli provided him with resources, and how his duty included more than arming the family.

Sandra stood quietly in the background, allowing Avalys to ask her own questions about the differences between company-made guns and the experimental one Harold was developing. Sandra disappeared from her peripheral vision, and a sudden crash made her whirl around to see her mentor trying to push away from a set of shelves she had toppled into while trying to hide her pain. Avalys rushed over to her and held her.

What’s wrong? Her fear crept into her words.

Sandra was about to answer when her face contorted and she clutched her abdomen. Once the pain subsided, she barely muttered, I need to go upstairs.

Harold was already on a phone calling for the family medics. Avalys helped Sandra to a chair and tried to comfort her until two young men came. They did a quick check before they assisted her to the elevator another man held open. Avalys went with them, riding from the fifth basement level to the first floor. The third man exited ahead of them to clear their path. A few people watched them make their way from the entrance hall to under the staircase where a tram sat ready in the station. The tram moved through the thickest parts of the walls, speeding up to the fifth floor and close to Sandra’s suite.

They entered the sitting room, its walls covered in angelic scenes—angels in Ankh, the Gods’ realm; angels on the mortal world Ereds; and people who glowed more than normal folk. Two glass cabinets lined the right wall while three were on the left displaying antique trinkets, miniatures of a few people, and meaningful personal items. The first door on their right was open, leading to a study, and the next door led to Sandra’s bedroom. The two men helped Sandra into bed after the third pulled down her blankets, and before he covered her, one of the others took a syringe out of a pack, cleaned her arm, and injected its contents. Slowly, she relaxed.

Call if you need anything, ma’am, the third man said as he pulled up her blankets.

Sandra nodded, and the men left.

Look around carefully at the paintings. Her voice was weak.

Avalys did. Even in this room, Sandra had painted the walls in angelic scenes. She had always been interested in art but never tried to make it a profession despite her skill and talent.

You know my hidden signatures, she continued. Find them in the paintings once this suite is yours. They will lead you to my final gift.

Avalys could no longer hold back her tears.

Sandra gave her a reassuring smile. I’m not going yet.

Please, she begged.

Sandra took Avalys’ hand and laughed a little.

Death is a natural part of life. Her voice was kind though her eyes showed her concern. Never be afraid of it, especially as an Enkeli. Death is everywhere. There isn’t a way to stop it—not unless you live on angelic wings.

She couldn’t help but let out a short burst of laughter through her tears. You say that at the oddest times, she muttered. She swiped her thumb under her eyes.

Sandra smiled wearily. One day you will understand. She sighed and closed her eyes. I can’t explain it. It’s something you feel, an understanding only the Pantheon can bless you with when you’re ready. That’s all my grandmother would say.

How long did it take you?

A long time. Sandra yawned. The key is to be patient. All the best things in life take patience to come, and you will be happier for it.

She only nodded. Sandra smiled as her eyes closed. After a few minutes, she tiptoed out of the bedroom. She was about to go downstairs when a voice called out to her. She turned to face Locke, a man about four years older than she was. He was a full foot taller and wore fitted clothing that showed off his sinewy muscles. His hair was almost black, which made his pale skin look even paler and made his brown eyes stand out. Many women found him rather attractive, but she smiled at him as if he were her brother.

Hi, Locke.

How’s Sandra?

Her smile faltered. She’s sleeping. I’m on my way back to Harold’s workshop.

I’ll go downstairs to the lobby with you since I’m headed that way.

They started down the stairs, Locke at a close but careful distance that still made her edgy, flashes of Tyson’s body pressed against her popping into her mind. Neither spoke. She occasionally glanced at him, noticing he was deep in thought.

Has Sandra told you she gave us your name for when she . . . leaves?

She turned away so he wouldn’t see the sudden swell of emotion that threatened to overwhelm her. She was relieved to gain extra time when some people passed them on the stairs on the third floor, giving Locke a respectful nod and her a bright smile. She smiled back.

She did.

Locke nodded. Well, your name is among our top three choices. If . . . if you want the position, you will need to learn more about the family’s businesses and structure. I know Sandra has taught you a lot and has arranged to complete that knowledge, so I hope you’ll do your best not to disappoint her.

I told her I would seriously consider it.

Really? He looked surprised and a little glad. That’s good to hear.

They didn’t speak again. When they reached the lobby, he left to go deeper into the mansion while she took the elevators to the basements, giving her time to compose herself. Harold was working on his project when she entered his workshop again. A small chime rang when she entered. He glanced up, stopped his work, and smiled at her.

Back to finish your lesson?

I am if you’re willing. She returned his smile, her heart feeling warmer.

I’m always willing to help you, he said, especially since you may be our newest council member.

She made a face. How many people do you think know?

Harold laughed. It’s you. The whole family knows.

chapter 2

Mckell fumed as he walked through the hallways of the Lura mansion. The people he passed pressed closer to the walls. It was quiet on the fourth floor, which mostly held the quarters for many family members with enough good standing to live there. He walked into the outer hallway where only the best had rooms—rooms with natural sunlight.

He came to the only unmarked door and opened it. The bedroom was dark, all light blocked by thick curtains. He stopped long enough to let his eyes adjust to where he could see the bed and make out a form completely covered by blankets. The door closed sharply behind him as he went to the curtains over the bed to push them open. Sunlight poured in.

Wake up, Jayd, he said loudly as he moved to the closet. You’ve been back twelve hours. I need you to get busy. He threw a T-shirt and worn jeans on the bed.

A groan came from the bed, and his younger brother tossed off the covers. Jayd was in his early twenties, just like Mckell. When Jayd finally stood, his younger brother was slightly taller, which irritated him, and to make them even more unalike, while he was dark in complexion, hair, and eye color, Jayd was lighter, but his younger brother was not as well muscled as he was.

What’s up? Jayd sounded a bit annoyed as he dressed. You never wake me up unless something big is happening.

The envoy to meet the Akuma left. He watched his brother for any reaction but was disappointed when there was none. Our leaders and their guards are idiots. Tyson will kill them.

Jayd stood at his stereo picking out songs from its menu. So what?

It means we can be the next leaders if we play the game right. A grin split his face. Think about it, we can be the youngest leaders this family has ever had. It’s been possible since you turned twenty-one last year.

I know. Jayd seemed like he rather wouldn’t. You want me to call in my favors?

He smiled, glad that his brother was quick. I do.

Jayd came back to his room for a break after lunch and found Mckell looking through his music collection on his stereo.

What’s up? he closed the door.

I got word from an Akuma that our envoy is dead. Mckell shook his head, obviously feeling the loss of opportunity. I should’ve gone—though it might be better this way. His brother looked up at him. Did you make the arrangements?

Yeah, it all went fine.

Mckell sighed with relief.

chapter 3

Sandra couldn’t come out of her suite until midafternoon the next day. She was by Avalys’ side during a meeting with the chief accountant for an hour before she nearly fainted. The medics took her back to her bedroom after she told Avalys to finish the schedule she had planned. Avalys reluctantly agreed and fidgeted with anxiety for the rest of the afternoon.

She rushed to Sandra’s room before dinner but stopped in the doorway to her guardian’s suite. A mild, bittersweet scent hung in the air. She warily approached Sandra’s bedroom and peeked in, her heart thudding from the fear of what she might find. Relief swept through her when she saw Sandra breathing regularly in her sleep. She crept out and headed down to eat. Once she got her food, she spotted Sandra’s favorite medic and sat next to her.

I suppose you’re curious? the medic asked.

Avalys nodded as she looked at her food to hide her fear. The medic moved to put a hand on hers but stopped when Avalys slightly recoiled, remembering Tyson’s hand reaching for her, and the medic withdrew her hand.

I’m sorry. There isn’t much time.

Avalys nodded.

The medic gave her a sympathetic smile and left. Avalys was dazed for a few moments, then ate with a determined ferociousness. Once finished, she ran to Sandra’s suite again. The scent had greatly intensified, and she bolted into Sandra’s bedroom, halting when she found her guardian awake and sitting up as though she were perfectly healthy.

Sandra beamed when she saw her. I was hoping you’d come.

How’re you feeling? Her concern and unease rushed her words.

It’s been a while since I’ve felt this good. Sandra patted a spot beside her and waited until Avalys sat on the bed to continue. I feel the pain less now that I know I’m almost gone, thank the Comforter for that.

Sandra—

Her guardian put a hand on hers and held it tightly. Do not regret for me. I have lived a full life—not one I expected, but it was better than I could have hoped, Sandra said. Don’t worry about me anymore. I’m ready to go. Sandra’s other hand caressed Avalys’ hair as she could no longer keep back her tears. I want you to live your life again. I want you to heal from what Tyson did to you. Only then can you be happy again and have a life, and what a life it can be! It will be amazing if you let it. I feel it in my soul. It’ll be a fairy tale.

A laugh escaped her amidst her tears. Most fairy tales don’t end happy.

There are plenty that do. A smile was on Sandra’s face though her eyes were closed.

She clutched Sandra’s hand in desperation. Stay with me, she bawled.

It’s almost like . . . being on angelic wings. A contented sigh passed Sandra’s lips.

chapter 4

Jayd was in the recreation room later that night, lifting weights. He had finished a repetition of bench presses when Mckell burst into the room and paused to look around. He eyed his brother with an irritated look but didn’t call for his attention. Instead, he toweled off the bench before making his way over to a line of treadmills. Just as he was starting to jog, Mckell stood beside him and hit the Stop button.

The senior members are taking a vote, his brother said.

He restarted the treadmill in response.

Great enthusiasm you got there, bro.

What do you want me to say? he asked as he jogged. It’s not like we can influence their vote now.

I figured you’d be more curious to see the results of all those favors you called in, Mckell said. Of course, our mission record is impressive as well, which should help guarantee the positions. He watched Jayd continue to jog. C’mon bro! You should be excited!

Jayd only glanced over at him and sped up the treadmill. Mckell’s smile turned to a scowl, looking ready to punch Jayd.

That’s great, Jayd huffed. If you’re right, we’ll be the leaders.

Mckell grinned and put a finger to his right ear. It’s not ‘if’ anymore, little bro. The senior members left the conference room.

He was incredulous and shook his head. I can’t believe you’re spying on them.

It’s just an earpiece. Mckell pulled it out with a shrug and put it in the pocket next to the gun he always carried.

Jayd continued to jog while Mckell sat in a chair next to him. Mckell threw out half-hearted comments about how Jayd should improve his form as he ran, but Jayd never replied or indicated he heard his brother. Mckell was about to say something else when a group of five men and five women over the age of forty entered the recreation room. He stood from his chair, getting their attention with his movement, and they walked toward them.

Hurry and cool it, Mckell muttered.

Jayd began to walk when the group reached them.

It’s always nice to see the senior members together, Mckell smiled at them, and Jayd rolled his eyes since no one could clearly see his reaction.

Can we have a moment? the oldest member asked. The man’s tone was low and brisk, and he looked annoyed with Mckell.

Jayd stopped the treadmill, glancing at his brother, and they both followed the senior members. They went to a back room that was unoccupied, and the senior members allowed them to enter the room first. Once everyone was inside, one of the members locked the door.

As you know, the oldest member gave a significant look to Mckell, we have been discussing and voting on the candidates for our new leaders. The man cleared his throat, looking rather reluctant to continue. We, the senior members, have unanimously voted you two as our next leaders.

Well, that is great news, isn’t it, Jayd? Mckell slapped his back with a grin. Now, as I am the senior leader, I will give my first order. I want a message sent to Tyson to renew talks of an alliance. He can choose the time, but he must come here because when he does, I’ll give him some great news he’ll want to know.

chapter 5

Avalys stood by Sandra’s coffin three days later feeling near death herself from grief. She and many other members stood in the vault chamber where all the respected, deceased Enkeli leaders lay at rest. After Locke gave a short eulogy, the way Sandra wanted it, and invoking each God Creator in the Pantheon in the Prayer for the Dead, Avalys pressed the button that lowered the coffin into the vault. As it sunk into the ground, she read the epitaph on it over and over again: I did not live on angelic wings. The vault doors were slow to close, but as they did, tears forced themselves out once more. Avalys’ right hand went over her heart as it contracted in pain, and her left hand kept brushing the tears away.

Locke stood beside her, his hands clasped behind his back, waiting patiently for her to calm. When the vault doors finally shut with a soft hiss, she turned to face him with dry eyes.

I know losing her is painful for you. His voice was soft, his eyes looking near her feet, his hands clasped tightly together. She was almost like your grandmother.

She only nodded.

He took a deep breath. She would have us do what the Enkeli have always done after losing a great leader, which is to keep moving forward. When she didn’t do or say anything, he continued. "I think part of that is to grant her wishes. Sandra was your mentor and, more importantly, your friend, and it was her desire to leave her