Reaver(102)
“You realize that when Satan takes you into Sheoul you’ll become a fallen angel, right? A True Fallen?”
He shuddered. Becoming a True Fallen was the one thing he swore would never happen to him, the one thing he’d willingly kill himself to prevent. And now, becoming a True Fallen was the one thing he had to do.
“I know.”
For some reason, Metatron smiled. “Excellent. But it isn’t going to happen. Instead, I’m going to offer you something, but even if you refuse, I won’t allow you to give yourself up to Satan. Understood?”
Confused as hell, Reaver stared. “Not really.”
“I’ll make it simple,” Metatron drawled. “Would you like your memory back?”
Reaver blinked. Wasn’t sure he heard the archangel right. “I just told you I planned to waltz off to become a fallen angel and Satan’s prisoner, and instead you want to give me my memory back?”
Metatron looked up at the heavens, as if seeking answers from above. Which had always seemed so strange to Reaver, since Heaven itself was much like Sheoul—an overlay occupying the same space as the human realm but on a different plane. Angels and human souls crossed over into Heaven. They didn’t fly upward to it unless they wanted to cross over in Heaven’s airspace.
“You will be given a choice, but first, I’ll give you a little about your past that should help you decide.”
Finally. After all this time, he was going to learn why his life had been taken away from him. And for the first time, he was actually having second thoughts. What if the truth was so horrible he couldn’t handle it?
“But the war—”
Metatron silenced him with a wave of his hand. “This is more important.”
More important than a war between Heaven and hell? Holy shit.
“I’m ready,” he said, even though he wasn’t. Not even close.
“I know you’ve pieced together your history with Verrine, but she doesn’t remember everything either. It’s odd that she remembers anything at all, although we’ve determined that the blood bond with you is the root of that.”
“How do you even know about the blood bond?”
“Long story.” Metatron started to prowl, his long strides eating up the ground as he strode back and forth, his hands locked behind his back. “Did you know that Radiants are recognized while still in the womb?”
“I’d heard that.”
Metatron nodded. “Your mother was an angel named Mariel. She mated with Sandalphon. I assume you knew of this.”
“I researched it after I learned the truth of who I was, yes.” Reaver narrowed his eyes at the archangel. “The records don’t say anything except that Sandalphon was destroyed by Satan’s forces, and after Mariel gave birth, she met the same fate.”
It was all very odd that their deaths hadn’t been chronicled in vivid detail, especially given that one of them, Sandalphon, had been considered a prince among angels. Princes didn’t just die and go forgotten.
“The truth about you, and about them, is in a private library to which very few have access.”
“Ah. Secrets among angels. Who would have thought,” Reaver said dryly.
Metatron pursed his lips, and Reaver prepared to be blasted by some painful angel weapon for his flippant response.
“Unlike most of my brethren, I’ve always liked your spirit.” He jabbed a finger at Reaver. “But be careful how far you push me. I do have limits.”
Well, that was a surprise. Reaver would have thought the guy hated him. He inclined his head in a rare, respectful nod.
“Now,” Metatron continued, “like I said, Radiants are recognized in the womb, but the moment the baby is born, they are no different than any other angel.” He shot Reaver a stern look. “That’s important to remember later in the story.”
“So that was like foreshadowing in a movie. Gotcha. Committed to memory.”
“Your association with demons and humans has made you vexing at times.”
“Funny, I tell them they’re annoying.”
Metatron didn’t quite roll his eyes, but the desire practically radiated from him. “We sensed a Radiant in your mother’s womb.”
Reaver’s breath caught. “The womb I was in?”
“No, the womb Mickey Mouse was in,” Metatron snapped. “Of course the womb you were in. Why else would I be telling you this story?”
Reaver didn’t say anything, which was a measure of how hard the news had hit him.
“Your mother was pleased by the news, but she didn’t change her habits. As a battle angel, she needed to fight, and Sandalphon remained at her side.” Metatron resumed pacing. “But we had a traitor among us, and Satan learned of your mother’s pregnancy. He captured her and destroyed your father. We tried to rescue her, but we lost legions of angels in the efforts.”