Rise From Darkness by Ciara Knight Page A

voice no longer shocked him. It sounded powerful.
    “Please, don’t say that.” Grace’s voice broke causing Alexander to turn around.
    She gasped, her hands covering her mouth.
    “What’s wrong?” Alexander stroked her arm. She grasped him by the shoulders and turned him to the mirror. “Look son. Look what you’re becoming. You have to let go of the hatred before—”
    Deep blood-red eyes glowed back at him. Demon eyes. He stumbled back and fell onto the bed. They were his. He stared at the mirror. Disgusted, he shut his eyes and concentrated on calming himself.
    When he opened them, Grace sat next to him, her frail frame slumped over on the bed, the blood drained from her cheeks. He softened at the sight. Glancing back at the mirror, the red in his eyes dissipated. How could he have lost control like that? As his hatred receded his heart broke.
    “Oh God, what have I done? I’m sorry.” He placed his arm around her and tried to comfort her.
    Grace tapped his hand reassuringly. “Sammy went to the clearing and retrieved any evidence. No sign of hunters at the moment. We may have been lucky.”
    That was something. Still, so much damage. Even if the hunters didn’t find them, he’d scared Gaby to death. “Was it that bad? Did you take Gaby home?”
    “No. Sammy took her home.”
    “Oh.” He paused for a moment hoping she would elaborate on Gaby’s condition. When she didn’t, his heart grew heavy. The mere act of breathing became impossible at the thought of never being near Gaby again.
    Did Forras scare her into leaving Florida? It would be for the best. Or was she repulsed by him? Did she see the blood red eyes of a demon? She must’ve thought there was no difference between him and Forras . She had every right to hate him. He hated himself.
    “Alex. I’m going to share a story with you. Could you listen with an open mind?
    Her eyes penetrated him with sadness. There was no choice but to listen. After all she had done for him, how could he refuse? Earthbound hunters could be at their door at any moment after the explosion between them, not to mention the debris and scents left behind. And he had no one else to blame but himself.
    “You know you are not the only angel to ever fall, right? Each angel decides their own fate.”
    “I guessed there were others. Of course, Sammy and maybe one or two more. I never heard of any returning to Heaven.”
    “No one knows for sure. I only know of one angel and his fate. You see.” She paused to take a breath. Her eyes moistened. “There was a boy around your age. At least that was the form he took here on earth. They say you take on a form based on your soul. He must have been a lot like you. Loving, compassionate, and loyalty were some of his traits.”
    Silent tears rolled down her cheeks. “Once he was earthbound he tried to find forgiveness for his sins, but it was difficult. He was so unhappy, but he didn’t let that stop him. One day he met someone. A girl. She was lovely and full of faith and goodwill. All she wanted to do was save him, and he wanted to save her.”
    She reached out and clasped his hand. “The problem was neither wanted to live on earth without the other. When this angel was betrayed by another he became consumed with rage. Once the rage took over, he couldn’t stop. He caused the death of the woman he loved. He couldn’t handle it.” She sucked in an abrupt breath and tears fell onto her pale blue dressing gown.
    Alexander squeezed her hand trying to comfort her. “Please Grace, it’s okay. I get it. You don’t have to continue.”
    “Yes I do.” She stated firmly with more strength than he had ever seen from her.
    “Don’t you see? You can’t seek revenge on Forras for what he did today. He is a lost soul just like you, Sammy, and I. You must find forgiveness in your heart, and—”
    “Forgiveness? He’s a demon. Why do I need to find forgiveness?”
    “Because that fallen angel I told you about, with all of his