Ephraim cleared his throat, snapping me from my thoughts.
“Weren’t you the one who told him our best bet was to go to Lucifer?”
“I was. But it was merely a suggestion. I never expected him to give up his immortality.”
“I wanted to ask you a question about changing one from immortal to mortal,” I asked.
He sighed. “If you came here thinking I can change him back into an immortal, I can’t. Once it’s been carried out… it is final.”
“No one has ever been able to change back?” I questioned.
“No,” he said, and then hesitated. “Actually, there has been one isolated case.” He paused, his eyes staring blankly through me.
“What happened?” I pressed.
He was beginning to look put out. “Is this why you’re here? To receive a lesson?”
“No,” I hesitated.
His brow rose and his inquisitive eyes opened wider. “Then why have you come?”
“I’ve come to ask if you could do the same for me. Could I become mortal?”
His eyes narrowed with a look of confusion. “Child, you haven’t transformed yet. I cannot undo what hasn’t been done.”
“But is it possible? Could you make me mortal once I’ve transformed?”
“Yes, yes.” He breathed out heavily. “Every immortal has a choice, but once that choice is made, it cannot be reversed.”
“I understand. But if I do decide, would I need to come back and see you?”
“Yes. Any Archangel can grant this wish.”
I nodded. “Okay, thank you.” I had my answer. It was the only way I could beat Lucifer. If I became mortal, he wouldn’t be able to use me as a pawn. It was all I had, and would be my last course of action should all else fail.
“Is that all you came for?” he questioned.
“Yes,” I nodded.
Ephraim’s eyes softened as he looked at me.
“I know your struggle, child, but please remember your life is destined. You are part of a greater plan – a change that needs to take place. If you give up your power and immortality, there might be hundreds of others who will suffer because of it. Look within yourself and remember, you will not only have to live with the decision you make, but with its outcome as well.”
Damn.
That was deep, and he was right. I suddenly felt the weight of the world on my shoulders.
The door swung open and Dom stepped in. “So, what’d I miss? Where’s the party?”
“You didn’t miss anything,” I answered, with a half-smile.
“You can’t fool me, Emma. I know something is up, and I think I deserve to know, especially for bringing you here.”
I shook my head, and a tear escaped my eye.
“She cannot speak,” Ephraim stated, looking directly at Dom. “Her tongue is tied, and she’s been forced to silence. If she speaks to anyone, they risk death.”
I gasped, shocked. My eyes darted to Ephraim. “How—?”
A warm smile graced his lips. “We see everything, child. It is my job to keep a watchful eye over those who have friends in high places,” he winked.
“Friends? Who are my friends? Why don’t they reveal themselves?” I questioned.
“Like I said before, we see, but cannot interfere. However, it’s someone in a high position who has your best interest in mind.”
“Okay, wait,” Dom interjected. “I don’t give a damn about her secret admirer. Well, I somewhat do, but that’s beside the point. I want to know what the hell she’s been silenced to. If she can’t tell me, then you can,” Dom said, standing in front of Ephraim. “Do they know? Did they find out about her?”
Ephraim gave a single nod.
“Shit,” Dom cursed. “So what’s their deal, Eph?”
“It’s Ephraim,” he said through gritted teeth. “She is to be bonded to the Nephilim before her transformation, and if she speaks of it to anyone, they will die. It was a pact made by Lucifer himself.”
“Well, this complicates everything,” Dom sighed, looking at me. A deep sadness swam in his bright green eyes. “You better make sure he doesn’t force you into sealing the bond any sooner, Emma.”
“Oh, I won’t.” But being alone with Ethon combined with the magic of the bond, it was hard to resist, especially when I was the only one resisting.
“He looked back at Ephraim. “I thought only immortals were given the gift of the bond, and they were only dealt after transformation.”
“So did I. But things are different with her. She’s not a full immortal. Neither is she Nephilim.”
“See Emma, you’ve gone and thrown off the whole damn bonding system.”