Guardian

GUARDIAN

Yakiri Truth

YARONDI SERIES:

BOOK ONE

Copyright ©March 2017 by Yakiri Truth

Cover design by Les Solot

Smashwords Edition

ISBN: 9781370231867

All Rights Reserved

No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. For permissions contact YakiriTruth@YakiriTruth.com

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Dedicated to

My mother who guides me

My son who inspires me

My spouse who stands by me

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Thank you, God, for the gift you’ve given me and the opportunity to share it with my family, friends, and the world.

Tracy Turner, my mother, is my strongest and fiercest support system. She pushes me to be more than I know that I am. Without her, my success in anything would not be possible. I am blessed to have someone who loves, leads, and mentors me through my best and my worst. God bless you mom. I love you.

My son, Derrick Lancaster, is the rock and strength that anchors me to my purpose. My spouse, Andre Lee, is the ship that carries me through calm and stormy waters. My siblings are the shining light that helps me to find my way. I will never have the words to express my love, appreciation and gratitude to God for all of you.

Alexander Marcelin pushes me to believe in myself and my talents. Thank you for your wisdom and encouragement. LaVina Horne, thank you for being the first person to read Guardian. Without your guidance, this novel would not be possible. Nilajah Sankofa and Kelley Robinson, my queens, carry me through every day with their love and encouragement. Audrey and Varice James helped me to see my inner strength. The rest of my family and friends whose love and guidance shaped me into the person I am.

Lastly, thank you to everyone who purchases, reads, reviews, and blogs about this book and any of my future works. I love and appreciate all of you.

PROLOGUE

I’M ON A MOUNTAINTOP; standing alone in complete darkness. The only sound I can hear is the long, heavy inhale and exhale of my breath. Something moves in the distance – something red. My eyes adjust in time to see it; a creature approaching me. It almost looks like a giant snake with arms and legs. It’s half slithering, half walking toward me, pointing a sharp claw in my direction. You are ssshe, it hisses.

She? My dream-self whispers. I stare at the creature in confusion. She who? My brain screams a warning; that I should be afraid. I should turn and run, but my feet remain planted where they are. I’m afraid, but unafraid – a concept I didn’t quite understand. Me? I asked, but, I’m nobody, was my only reply, thinking this - whatever it was - had to be confusing me with someone else.

The creature half slithers, half walks; stops in front of me. Hissing. Snarling. Malice in its eyes. It has the head and face of a water moccasin. Its scaly flesh is a reddish hue and covered with cuts, scars and blisters. Its eyes are like burning coals that glowed red in the darkness. It was about as tall as I am. What the hell kind of lizard is five-foot-three? It has a long tail with a rattle on the end that it coils and shakes every now and again. A large, endless chain is hanging around its thick neck. Its sharp teeth snap in my direction. Razor sharp claws point at me.

The creature half slither, half walks around me. I whip my head from left to right, attempting to keep my eyes on its quick movements. It leans forward and sniffs. It inhales deeply, exhales a sigh. Its lips curl in a sinister smile as its glowing eyes narrow.

You are SSSHE! It screeches. The rattle on its tail shakes rapidly. It snarls. Raises its claws. Crouches. Leaps.

CHAPTER ONE

THEY HAVE FOUND HER. Gabriel spoke the words and a hush fell between the two archangels. Their thick silence held so many unspoken questions: How? When? Why now? Are we ready? How will they protect her now?

You sure? Uriel’s bronze colored eyes refused to meet Gabriel’s face. Are they certain it’s her?

Michael rubbed the sudden pain that formed in his chest. They’ve been wrong before.

Gabriel nodded his response, Raziel confirmed it. He’s called for the council. That’s why I’m here.

Raziel was the keeper of divine secrets. He sat in the throne room, beside the Almighty. He, like the Almighty, was never wrong. If Raziel confirmed it, there was no doubt. They found her. She was in danger.

Uriel closed his eyes. For one moment, he shut himself off from the Heavens and the Earth. He took a deep breath. The danger she was in, the battle that was coming…he wished they had more time.

We should get going, he said to Michael.

Michael nodded, I’m ready.

* * * * *

Ahreyal’s eyes opened. Her body propelled forward. She tried to scream. Sarae's hand covered her mouth, stifling the sound. She coughed, gagged, and caught her breath.

Shh…shh…you’re ok, Sarae hissed, before Ahreyal could think to ask what she was doing in her bedroom. Come on. Get up. Get dressed.

She pulled Ahreyal out of bed and tossed her an armful of clothes. What’s going on? Ahreyal asked while pulling on the hunter green cargo pants, grey shirt, brown slip-on shoes, and short brown jacket.

Hurry up. We have to go. Sarae was dressed in all black: black jeans, a black t-shirt, calf-length black boots, and her favorite long black jacket that stopped just above her knees. She'd pulled her long dark hair into a ponytail.

What’s wrong? Sarae was looking around the room – Ahreyal’s room – for something. Ahreyal grabbed her arm, Talk to me!

The house is on fire, she said calmly; too calmly.

What? Ahreyal released her arm. What did you say? She stopped; listened. There was no heat, crackle of fire, or hint of smoke in the air.

Her baffled expression told Sarae that Ahreyal was not convinced there was a fire, or any danger. Just trust me, ok. Sarae backed away from Ahreyal and turned to the closet. It’s on fire and we have to get out of here. She passed Ahreyal the satchel Ahreyal used as a purse.

This damn girl has lost her mind. Ahreyal took the satchel, threw it over her shoulder and watched as Sarae stepped inside her closet. She kept ranting about how Ahreyal needed to stay close and be quiet. It was the middle of the fucking night! Ahreyal was tired. It had been a long day. She’d taken her final midterm and celebrated with a bottle of moscato d’asti. Then, had that creepy ass dream about a giant snake-lizard-thing attacking her. She wasn’t in the mood for this shit. She could have just stood there and argued with Sarae, but she decided to prove her cousin was crazy.

Weird symbols were carved in the wood around her bedroom door. What the hell is this? Ahreyal pointed, You know what, never mind. She waved her hand, feeling tired and annoyed. Ahreyal made a mental note to talk to Sarae about the markings later. She grabbed the doorknob and snatched the door open.

Ahreyal stop! Sarae’s voice yelled much too late.

Holy fucking shit!

Fire consumed everything. Flames climbed up the walls, licked from floor to ceiling. Clouds of black smoke danced from one end of the hallway to the other. Just outside of the bedroom door, in the midst of the flames, stood a man. He was tall; very tall and slender with defined muscles in his arms and chest. He had long, thin dreadlocks that reached past his waist. His crimson eyes seemed to glow, or was that because of the contrast of his mocha skin? Wait! Red eyes?

He wore black silk pants with black dress shoes and a matching black collared shirt; the top three buttons were open. One hand was in his pocket; the other held a large chain. At the end of the chain, standing beside him, was a massive beast with large muscles. Black bat-like wings protruded from its back. The creature had eyes that looked like burning coals. Muscles protruded from its arms, legs and chest. It had reddish, scaly skin covered with cuts, scars and blisters; a long tail with a rattle on the end, long fangs, and claws. It was taller than she was, much taller in fact - the adult version of the monster that haunted her dreams. Only, she wasn’t dreaming. She was awake. She was standing right inside her bedroom door. Her house was on fire, but the flames did not come inside her bedroom, neither did the heat, or even the smell of smoke. What the fuck?

Sarae grabbed her arm and pulled her further away from the door.

The man flashed a wicked smile. Hello Ahreyal; you’ve grown. He spoke the words casually, as if they'd met long ago.

Azazel, Sarae said pulling a sword from…nowhere?

Where in the hell did the sword come from?

"You do not have permission to enter." Her voice was firm. She pushed Ahreyal behind her and pointed the sword toward the man and the beast beside him.

"This space is not yours pigeon, he spat. You cannot deny me entry."

"This space is mine to protect, demon, Sarae spat back. And while you insult my species, try to remember it’s also yours."

Azazel, that’s what Sarae called him. Ahreyal knew that name. She’d heard it before. Azazel was…no, this couldn’t be the same Azazel. Azazel was leader of the Grigori. He was a fallen angel. But angels weren’t real. Like demons, they were sub-characters in Christian mythology. This man’s mother must be either religious or twisted.

Ahreyal eyed the man again. There were no physical descriptions or photographs of any member of the Grigori. History only recorded their names. If this man were the fallen angel Azazel, he would have been second in command to Samyaza.

Azazel waited while Ahreyal examined him. He laughed without humor. Like what you see? He leaned against the beast standing beside him and swung the end of the chain he was holding in a circle. Indeed, we are the same species, he said turning his attention back to Sarae, "though I am no longer a mindless slave for Him. He took a step forward. The symbols etched into the doorway began to glow. Azazel stopped. His eyes shot upward. He scoffed. Tell me Sarae, what is it like, serving creatures far less superior to you?"

"I serve the Most High, Sarae snapped, and I am honored to do so."

There was no humor in his smile when he looked at Sarae and said, You always were a dumb bitch.

Most High? Species? What the fuck? Ahreyal looked from her cousin to the stranger standing in her doorway.

Come closer, Ahreyal. Azazel’s smile turned from humorless to sinister. He reached his hand toward her and motioned for her to step closer. His movements were so fluid, she almost felt compelled to take a step forward. You have your mother’s eyes. I’m sure you have her smile too.

You knew my mother? Her feet moved on their own.

Sarae’s grip tightened. She didn’t pull Ahreyal away; instead she stepped forward with her.

I know both of your parents, Azazel replied. He kept his hand stretched toward Ahreyal.

How? She stepped forward again.

Ahreyal! The warning in Sarae’s voice was evident. It registered in Ahreyal’s brain, but her body didn’t care. This man knew her parents. He may have the answers no one else could seem to provide. Is my mother really dead? If so, where is she buried? Is my father still alive? If so, why did he leave? Why hasn’t he come to find me? Do I have siblings?

Azazel smiled wryly. I’ve known your parents a very long time; long before you were born. Your father and I were practically brothers. Your mother and I-

Enough! Sarae shouted.

Sarae’s voice caused something to click in Ahreyal’s mind. She realized her feet had moved forward the entire time. Closer to the man, closer to the flames. His extended hand was waiting for her. She stopped just before reaching him. How did she walk so close to him without knowing? What was happening?

Your guardian doesn’t want you to know the truth about who you are, but I am prepared to tell you.

My guardian? Ahreyal turned to Sarae.

We have to go, she said, tugging Ahreyal’s arm, we have to leave.

Why is he calling you my guardian?

Do tell her Sarae, Azazel cooed.

"Ahreyal, I know you have questions, and I promise to explain everything, but we have to leave first. If you go with him, he will kill you."

In that moment, the flames again registered in Ahreyal’s mind – that and the fact that none of the flames seem to touch him. The creature standing beside him came back into view. It was as if the danger vanished and instantly re-appeared. Ahreyal snatched her hand back and stepped behind Sarae.

Sarae smirked and lifted her sword.

You stupid, fucking bitch! His brows furrowed; crimson eyes darkened.

The creature growled. Its eyes glowed dark red. Smoke came from its nose and seeped between its closed teeth. Sarae swung her arm out. Her sword vanished. She turned, wrapped her arms around Ahreyal’s waist.

Something blue and soft enveloped Ahreyal. There was a loud booming noise. Then, the world went dark.

* * * * *

The Great Hall of Judgment was the meeting room for the Heavenly Council. It had walls made of pure gold. The floor was marble. A dome ceiling, made of crystal, allowed the sun to shine its magnificent light into the hall.

Heavenly creatures flew from every direction toward the hall. They entered through the open archway. Legions of archangels, seraphim, cherubim, gargoyles, griffins…more races and creatures than anyone could count. Massive numbers with various colored wings, all waiting for the Heavenly council.

Debates. Discussions. Decisions. Instructions. Judgments. Almost everything that shaped the universe started in the Great Hall of Judgment before being brought into the Throne Room, where the Most High made the final decision.

The Heavenly Council was comprised of nine archangels. Michael, the Archangel of War and leader of the Heavenly army was the first to take his seat at the table. The table was a massive, circular slab of marble with golden legs, shaped like the legs of a lion. Its feet, shaped like eagle claws, gripped a large blue diamond. Nine golden chairs, with cushions made from eagle feathers, surrounded the table. Their legs mimicked the table's.

Uriel, the Archangel of Repentance sat beside Michael. He folded his hands on the table. This will be a long meeting, he whispered, Ramiel and Leilah are furious!

Raguel was the Archangel of Justice and Vengeance. He entered, tucking his massive gold and white wings behind him. He folded his arms and took his seat beside Uriel. Where is everyone else? He asked in a frustrated tone.

Patience, Uriel whispered, they are coming.

Long, indeed, Michael mumbled. His ears twitched. His scarlet eyes stared toward the angels gathering in the hall. He exhaled and rubbed his palm over his short, scarlet hair.

Being the Archangel of War was as much of a burden as it was a blessing. He was the protector and defender of the Heavens, the Earth and all of Creation. Commander of the Almighty’s Holy and Righteous army. He’d trained every soldier. Led every battle. Won every victory. He was a champion. It was an honor.

But it was difficult. Danger came from everywhere. Emboldened demons. Rebellious angels. The pride and arrogance of foolish humans. There was no rest for him. There would never be peace. Heaven and humanity will always need protecting. She would always need protection. She needed protection now, but he couldn’t watch over her. He’d sent his best warriors – second and third in his command – with one order, Protect her! Guard her with your life.

Members of the Heavenly council objected. There were wars that were being waged against the Heavens; other beings and objects that needed protection. The army needed its best solders. Michael’s decision, however, was final! The army was under his command and he would not be swayed. His General and Lieutenant General would be her guardians; end of discussion.

Gabriel, the Heavenly Messenger entered the hall with Raziel. The two were speaking in hushed voices when they approached the table and took their seats. Ramiel, the Archangel of Hope and Phanuel, the Archangel of Truth and Judgment entered next. Metatron, the Heavenly Scribe was the last to enter. Once Metatron entered, no one else could enter the hall without his permission; that was the only way to ensure that there was a record of everyone who was in attendance.

Metatron stopped inside the archway. His amber eyes scanned the face of every angel, regardless of race. Everything his eyes touched and his ears heard was annotated. Because this meeting was in the Heavens, and involved angels, it was documented in the Heavenly scrolls. If it had been on Earth or involved humans, it would go in the Book of Life. Anything involving Hell or demons went into the Doctrine of Judgment.

A wave of silence fell across the room. Everyone watched as Metatron walked from the archway to the table and claimed the only empty chair.

How did this happen? Yochana, the Archangel of Grace asked. Her stern voice was the first to fill the silence in the hall.

We were so careful with hiding her, Leilah, the Archangel of Night and Darkness stated, Though it was against our better judgment. She glanced at Raguel and turned away before he could respond. Raguel refused to turn in her direction. He knew she was angry with him. He didn’t care.

All archangels were equal, even those that were not members of the council. The council, however, decided on the situation that was being debated and they stood in the throne room of the Most High.

We should never have trusted that demon, Leilah pounded her fist on the table.

She isn’t a demon, Raguel corrected.

It was the girl’s own fault, Raziel interjected before the bickering could get out of hand. They found her through the school. His deep purple eyes glanced at Lucida. She blushed and looked away. She changed her major from Education to History; developed an interest in theological history.

What peaked this interest? Ramiel asked.

She was, Raziel paused as if he was searching for the right explanation, "encouraged by one of her professors."

"That still doesn’t explain how this happened. Isn’t she surrounded by guardians?" Ramiel questioned.

Michael’s lieutenant is her primary guardian. She’s usually with her, Raziel replied, They attend the same university and live in a house, off campus. Gabriel has already notified her guardian of the danger.

Ramiel stood and paced, Her guardians are supposed to protect her.

She and her primary guardian had the same major, and took a lot of the same classes, when they enrolled in college. The girl changed her major, mid-semester, Raziel reiterated.

Both of them couldn’t, change their major, Michael stated, It would have been too obvious. Questions would have been asked that could not be answered. Michael continued to rub the pain in his chest. It felt as if there was a vice grip around his heart. He had never felt a pain like this. We would have ended up here no matter what. We can’t keep manipulating her life. Just because we don’t want to fight this battle, doesn’t mean it’s not time. The pain intensified, not pain, just an uncomfortable feeling.

Panic, Uriel whispered.

What? Michael whispered back.

What you’re feeling, Uriel replied, it’s called panic.

CHAPTER TWO

I CAN’T DO THIS, Zee, Amaya whispered to Hezekai. I can’t hurt her.

This day was always coming, Amaya, he wrapped his arms around her. "She deserves to know the truth from us. We raised her. You want a seeker to tell her who she is?"

She’ll hate us for this.

We made a vow. We promised Chaniel that it would be us, that only death would keep us from telling her.

Mmm, Ahreyal stirred in her sleep. She blinked. The images of her aunt and uncle came into focus. She had to be dreaming. There was no way she was at her aunt and uncle’s house in Marrero. She was just at her own house in Mid City New Orleans. What the fuck?

Finally waking up, huh? Hezekai smiled at his niece as if there was nothing wrong. Take your time sitting up. He stepped to the full-sized bed Ahreyal had slept in as a child and sat beside her. Your aunt and I have something we need to tell you. He turned to his wife and nodded, but she remained silent. Amaya, we have too.

Slowly, Amaya moved to a chair beside the bed. Her long pink dress swept her ankles. She waited while Ahreyal rearranged the pillows and pushed herself into a sitting position.

W-What’s wrong? Ahreyal looked around the room. What’s happening? How the fuck did I get here? Where in the hell is Sarae?

She called me, Sarae’s voice said. She appeared beside Hezekai. She came from...nowhere.

Probably, out of panic, he said, or just wondering where you were. We haven’t told her yet. Go back to your post.

Sarae nodded and turned to Ahreyal. I’m fine. Don’t worry about me, she said, and then vanished.

Ahreyal’s mouth fell open. Her eyes widened. She pointed a finger toward the spot where Sarae stood a moment ago. She…she…she…

Yes, Amaya said matter-of-factly.

But she…how…

Because, she’s an angel, Amaya replied.

Ahreyal paused. Blinked. What did you say?

Sarae, Amaya began again, "She’s an angel; she’s your guardian angel." Amaya waited for Ahreyal to absorb the information she had just been given.

She’s what? Ahreyal’s tone was flat. Her face was blank. Amaya knew her niece believed nothing she was being told. She looked at her husband. Show her.

Hezekai nodded. He stood, faced Ahreyal. What appeared to be white smoke swirled behind his back. The smoke went from pure white, to orange, then red. Then, evaporated, leaving…wings? Large wings! Orange with red and yellow streaks swirled throughout and red on the tips of each feather.

Ahreyal’s breath caught in her throat. No words could form. Her eyes widened. She could feel Amaya’s hand touching hers, but she couldn’t blink, breathe, or take her eyes off her uncle. Amaya’s hands framed Ahreyal’s face. Look at me. Her aunt said. Behind Amaya’s back were peach wings with yellow swirls. We’re all angels, she said. Hezekai, Sarae, myself, and you.

* * * * *

The moment Hezekai and Amaya revealed their wings, Ahreyal’s eyes rolled backwards. Her seemingly lifeless body slumped over the edge of the bed and landed in Sarae’s arms. I’m guessing the conversation didn’t go well? Sarae smirked and laid Ahreyal’s head against the soft pillows.

She touched Ahreyal’s forehead and waited until Ahreyal’s still body began to stir.

Amaya. Zee. She’s waking up. Sarae leaned over Ahreyal. She smirked when her cousin opened her eyes.

Damn, Ahreyal said, her voice groggy from sleep, I had this weird dream that-, she cautiously sat up and looked at Sarae again, really looked at her. Huge cerulean blue wings with cobalt tips protruded from her back.

She opened her mouth to scream, but the sound wouldn’t form.

Amaya sat beside Ahreyal and took her hand, You’re all right, she said in a soothing tone while rubbing Ahreyal’s arm, no one here will hurt you. We’re here to protect you.

Ahreyal could feel a sudden calm washing over her. Her heart beat slowed its frantic pace. This isn’t right. I’m not calm. What’s happening to me? What the hell are you people?

"Us people?" Sarae smirked.

Sarae. Hezekai’s voice was stern, a full command. Sarae’s wings disappeared.

If she calls me or faints again, I’ll return. You know that.

We’ll do our best, Sarae. Amaya whispered.

She nodded and vanished again. Ahreyal’s eyes frantically moved around the room. Sarae appeared beside her. This isn’t working, she said. Just tell her.

Oh my God, Ahreyal nervously tried to scoot away from Amaya, I’m dreaming. She closed her eyes, I have to be dreaming.

You’re not dreaming, Ahreyal, and we don’t have much time. Amaya released a frustrated breath. This won’t be easy to hear, but I need you to listen, and I need you to try not to faint. Amaya lowered her head. She licked her lips, took a few deep breaths.

Amaya, Hezekai warned.

She nodded and raised her head. Stared in the face of the young woman she’d raised; a face that haunted her for twenty-two years. It was a mirror-image of the purest and bravest of the Almighty’s creations. Chaniel was a handful. She was bold and defiant, but she was also loving and gentle. Twenty-two years later, Amaya still mourned the loss of her friend - her sister – whom she’d walked with for centuries. She vowed to protect Chaniel's daughter, to even give her own life to keep her safe. She