Themes that inspired the writing of Divinity Realm of Annihilation Book Four

For the final book in the Divinity Saga, I've chosen two songs that inspired me as I wrote specific scenes. I would consider this one to be more Cam`ael's theme! It's awesome and very fitting!! : Starset- Dark on me And overall, Krewella's "We All Go Down" served as a huge inspiration. I listened to this one a lot and I absolutely love it!! #Krewella seriously rocks!!

UPDATES!!!

Hello all!


I've been super super busy, so I am so, so sorry for the lack of updates. I am working on many things at one time right now. Currently, I am finishing up the final book in the Divinity Saga for those of you who are waiting patiently! As of now, if all goes well, I am looking at the end of August 2015 release for Divinity Realm of Annihilation Book Four. Also to follow will be:

1. The prequel to the Divinity Saga, title TBA at a later date.

2. Companion novel: Darkest Light: Diary of Ao'thiel (Cam`ael) Chief Angel of all Powers

3. H.U.M.A.N.S The Veiled World Bloodless Black Sheep Chronicle 2

Don't forget H.U.M.A.N.S The Veiled World Supernatural Selection Chronicle 1 is still FREE and will be until the end of April, so get yours today!


Also, Divinity the Gathering Book One is PERMA FREE too, so get yours and get started on the saga before the final book is released this summer!

H.U.M.A.N.S The Veiled World is now on SMASHWORDS!!

....And to celebrate I am offering
H.U.M.A.N.S ‪#‎FREE‬!! for a limited time on ‪#‎SMASHWORDS‬, ‪#‎NOOK‬. Amazon will soon follow suit so don't fret. Get your copy today!

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/528038

***If you enjoyed it, leave a #review or #rating on Goodreads, #Amazon, #Barnes and Noble and #Smashwords! Your feedback helps to determine many things and they are always needed and very much appreciated!*** 

A brand new teaser Chapter From Divinity: Realm of Annihilation: Book Four!

**Remember, DO NOT READ ON if you have not yet read books 1-3. If you haven't, get started today with Divinity The Gathering Book One! It's FREE on Amazon, Smashwords, and Barnes and Noble!****

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B8L345S
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/432740
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/divinity-susan-reid/1114669181


**Excerpt Chapter from Divinity: Realm of Annihilation: Book Four:**

Starling:

   This unknown paradise planet was just as beautiful the second time around as it had been the first time when Cam brought me here.
The surface of the water appeared to have the sparkling sheen of a newly cleaned violet-colored gem. Its color was enhanced by the prism of soft pink light emanating from the huge crystal that hung in the sky like a sun. The air was pure, crisp, and laced with all sorts of inviting scents.
   This time, the one major difference that immediately caught my eye also completely took my breath away.
   Nestled among the lush and full fruit bearing trees and plants releasing their natural floral and fragrant aromas, was the front face of a gorgeous, contemporary-style beach house. The wall was made up of full-paneled, geometric-shaped windows all overlooking this side of the beach.
   I marveled at it, speechless as Cam’s hands went around my waist and pulled me up against him.
Leaning down, he kissed my temple tenderly.
“Do you like it?”
Finally able to speak again, I took in a deep breath while turning and tilting my head to look up at him.
“Cam, this is amazing. How and when did you do all of this?”
He smiled cockily as if I really needed to ask. Then he gently lifted me up into his arms.
“This is my gift to you. I hope you’ll love the inside just as much as the outside.” He finished before stealing a quick kiss.
His gift to me? Did he mean this home?
Our home?
   He carried me up the lantern lit walkway, which was decorated with small rock fountains on either side. I admired the fully blooming coconut, banana, and mango trees. There were a few bushes with fruit that I wasn’t familiar with and beyond that was a raised garden of succulently sweet strawberry blossoms. Strawberries were barely just budding but some were huge, ripe, and full red in color.
   Out of my periphery, I even managed catch sight of a few strange, native creatures chirping while quickly scampering away to hide.
What were the odds of every single one of my favorite fruits blooming richly on some unknown planet far in the distant universe?
I looked up at Cam just as he made it to the ivy draped double doors and opened them.
“Are those fruit trees and strawberries really indigenous here?”
He smiled. “They are now.”
   The inside was just as magnificent as the outside. He had gone through great effort, thought, and detail just to put it all together, that much was obvious. Every extra comfort and necessity meshed well with the contemporary, earthy décor that flowed with the whole garden paradise theme he had going.
   He set me down allowing me to continue to gape. Starting with the immaculate yet cozy living room, I slowly began to inspect the state of the art gourmet kitchen. Curiously, I noted that the main dining room table sat ten people.
“So, it’s just me and you here, huh?” I commented as I turned to face him.
He gently took my hand and laced his fingers with mine. “And all of our little ones. There’s plenty of room for expansion.” He winked before kissing my hand.
I narrowed my eyes at him playfully and smiled.
“I see. How many little ones are we talking about?”
“Well, we’re both immortal so we can probably fill the entire planet.” He replied smoothly, continuing to hold my hand while allowing me free reign to explore on my own.
   I initially shook my head and laughed at his humor but I think he might have been serious about that. Truthfully, that picture wasn’t a bad one at all. I couldn’t think of anywhere I’d rather be right now than here with Cam, spending the rest of my life with him and raising all of our children together. No doubt this gorgeous house was his way of letting me know that it was definitely his plan too.
   Ironically, I stumbled across the master bedroom first and I was astounded. Comfort, relaxation, and tranquility were ever present themes in the layout, décor, and furniture. The windowed wall, complete with a futuristic sliding glass door mechanism, opened out to a wide natural wood patio and a bountiful stretch of gorgeous, colorful bushes and flowers lie beyond in the background. I could hear a waterfall and what sounded like birds coming from somewhere in the distance, too.
   There was no glazing over the triple king-sized bed that took up the majority of the room either. I could imagine it taking me at least five minutes just to crawl off of it from the middle.
   A naughty smile pulled at the corner of my mouth when I nodded towards it and looked up at him. “I didn’t know they made beds that big.”
“They don’t. I hold the patent and we are going to break in every inch of it.” He bit his lip and pinned me with a desirous gaze that made me quiver with excitement.
   I giggled with ecstatic anticipation as I stepped over and sat down on it, immediately sinking in and sighing at the extreme comfort of it beneath me.
He followed suit but chose to kneel down in front of me and take the space between my legs as he pushed my thighs apart.
“This is incredibly beautiful, Cam. I love it, all of it. I couldn’t ask for a better or more welcoming retreat to come back to and rest for a few days when we get the chance.”
He pulled me to him and we kissed, slow and deep. I love kissing Cam, it’s always an amazing, sexual experience all on its own.
   The warmth of his mouth and his strong hands caressing and stroking the sides of my thighs, feeling the hard curve of muscles along his shoulders, back, and biceps, and the familiar scent of him all quickly stimulated and stirred both craving and lust deep within me.
   My rapidly building desire fed Cam like an intravenous line, what with him being an Incubus. Normally, like any other moment, we would have both already been completely naked by now.
   When we finally broke from the kiss to take a breath, he stroked my cheek and rested a hand on my abdomen, rubbing gently in a continuous circular pattern.
“What if I’m not willing to take you back to Earth ever again?” He whispered.
I paused, stunned. “What?”
He hesitated, resting his forehead wearily against mine before speaking again.
“I brought you here to stay, Starling. I have to protect you and our children. I won’t allow you the possibility of getting hurt or worse. I can’t.”
   I couldn’t believe what he was saying. His eyes tightened and then he closed them as if this was a major decision that he had been struggling with for a while.
“Cam, I . . .”
Pulling his head away from mine, his eyes flew open and he immediately cut me off. “No. My mind is already made up. I’m not taking you back. Whatever you need or want, just tell me and I’ll take care of it.”
   Confused, I studied his flawless face through the bangs of his dark hair that had fallen forward and shadowed his eyes. His hair had grown out some since the first time we were reunited and the slightly fringed ends made him even sexier and irresistible to me.
   The gold flecks in his gorgeous green and indigo eyes weren’t glowing animatedly the way they usually did. He averted his gaze from me for a moment, turning his eyes down. His long, thick, dark lashes temporarily shielded me from seeing what was really going on past his words.
   I gently brushed my fingers across his hair to push it out of the way and caressed his warm, soft cheek.
His hand went to cover mine, moving my hand down to press my palm to his velvet soft lips.
His tone had been serious enough and now his behavior was really starting to alarm me.
“Cam, what’s going on?” I asked softly.
He was silent for a long while before finally cupping my face in his hands.
   This time he was studying me in wonder, but the slight indentation of a worry line creasing the space between his brows was something that I immediately caught and could not ignore.
“I love you.” He whispered.
I exhaled. “I know, and I love you, too. Now will you tell me why the sudden need to hold me hostage here? Not that being here alone with you isn’t paradise.” I smiled.
His brows rose and he smiled slightly. “Hostage? You’re damned right.”
I gawked at him in disbelief and attempted to scoot back away from him but he held me firm in place with his hands at the small of my back.
“Are you serious?”
“I wouldn’t joke about this.”
“As tempting as you’ve made it, I can’t stay here permanently right now. We can’t just abandon everyone on Earth. I have a duty and a responsibility to fight, I can’t do that from here.”
“You can’t do any of it in your condition.” He pointed out as he stood up and turned to head out onto the patio.
   I could only stare after him dumbfounded, watching as he magically ignited the outdoor fire pit.
The flames leapt to life in a vibrant, warm yellow-orange glow. I hopped up and went after him, moving around to stand in front of him with hands on my hips.
“I can still do many things including fighting. You said if I wanted anything, to ask you. I’m asking you to take me back.”
“Anything except for that.” He bluntly replied.
I sighed heavily. “We still haven’t found Spencer and Lira. This isn’t fair to the others! What about your friends? Don’t you think they need you too?”
   He pursed his lips as if catching a snarky outburst in response from coming out. “The relationship between myself and my friends are not the same as with you and yours and I don’t expect you to understand it.”
That answer only made me angrier.
“You’re right, I don’t and I never will understand the every man for himself mentality.”
   He sighed impatiently and looked me directly in my eyes. “No, it’s called a faith mentality. Your friends can hold their own. They are warriors too in case you’ve forgotten. I couldn’t care less about the fate of that weak Seraphim, he brought it upon himself. And quite frankly, so did Lira. In fact, her vessel is going to start decomposing if she doesn’t return to it soon so I’ve instructed Macai to take it to the farmhouse so that it’s easier for her to locate her own body if she’s able to do so.”
I flung my arms out in futile frustration, amazed that he could sound so calm and callous at the same time. Though he had a point when you scraped it all down to the bare, cold, hard truth of it, it still didn’t make it right to just give up on them.
“So that’s it? I’m just supposed to hide out here while everyone else is at risk on the front lines?”
   There was a hint of irritation and annoyance causing the gold in his eyes to flash this time when he replied. “You don’t have any other choice right now, at least until you give birth.”
I let out a grunt of exasperation. “Do you know how much longer that will be? Because I don’t. I don’t even know how far along I am right now.” I said raising the front of my shirt and glancing down at my bare, distended abdomen.
   He paused and we both stared at my growing belly for a moment in silence.
Then Cam spoke again. “We can find that out but it doesn’t matter. You’re going to remain here until you give birth and even then, I’m not sure I’ll be bringing you back to that destructive chaos any time soon. The twins need their mother and I need you.”
   I wasn’t sure what else to say. What brought on Cam’s sudden need to make this drastic and extreme decision? I know his heart is in the right place and I understand where he’s coming from but we can’t just disappear right now when so much is at stake.
But I guess that was just it. What was left at stake? Would we alone as warriors be able to keep Earth out of the hands of Morning Star and darkness when there were no longer any rules or Universal Laws?
   Cam was extremely powerful and his legion needed him. Even though the others could hold their own like Cam said, I could certainly wreak a hell of a lot of damage and destruction myself.
“So you really didn’t build this place as a gift for me then? You built it to have somewhere to keep me hidden?” I accused with a grimace.
“Why are you making it seem as if I’ve done something wrong?” He challenged me.
“I never said it was wrong.”
   Were we having our first fight? Remembering what Edanai told me after my birthday celebration at Cam’s place, I wondered what Cam would do if this did turn into a huge fight. Leave me here? No, he wouldn’t . . . would he?
“Well, what about China and Joel? They’re really gonna be in grave danger now.”
“If she’s smart, she’ll allow herself to be picked up by a sky ark. If she’s unaware, you may want to try and convince her to do it or I can bring her here too. Once the realms completely merge, the Earth will become a dead planet. Those who have been saved are well on their way to other planets like this one to start anew like us. Joel has probably died already anyway so there isn’t anything you’ll be able to do about that, especially since he’ll be at any one of the remaining Halls. As for you, you and I are soul bound, which means that you belong to me . . . as my wife.”
   He made sure to clarify that statement with those last three words when he saw the shocked expression on my face quickly turn into a scowl.
He went on, “I am forever bound to you as your husband until the day I no longer exist, and it’s up to me to protect you and my family in any way that I see necessary and fit. There’s no point in arguing or trying to convince me otherwise— and being angry isn’t good for the babies.”
   He leaned down to quickly kiss my forehead and then headed towards the open bathroom door on the other side of the bedroom. “I’m going to draw you a warm bath and make you something to eat.”
I glared at him. I couldn’t believe he was being such an asshole right now.
“Bring China here? And how would I explain where here is much less the ginormous crystal hanging in the sky?” I gestured in no particular direction.
This time he looked at me with incredulity.
“After all that she’s seen and been through, not to mention what’s coming, explaining that crystal will be the least of your worries. I think it’s safe to say that it will be a very welcoming and magnificent vision that won’t even warrant a need for questions.”
   Cam wasn’t giving in any time soon. Since he was my only way on and off this planet, pushing him to ghost out and leave me here until I cooled off was not an option.
   I sat in silence for a few minutes and pouted, hearing the gentle rush of water coming from the spacious bathroom on the other side of the master bedroom. Soon after, the smell of exotic floral oils began to saturate the air with a rich, heady and relaxing effect.
   With a heavy sigh, I got up, avoiding him for the sake of not getting into an even bigger argument.
   Not long after the metallic clanging of some pots or pans, the smell of searing meat and aromatic spices began to linger in the air.
He was cooking? I didn’t know he could. I always thought it was Rahab’s thing. I wondered why he just didn’t conjure up a gourmet meal. For some reason, it seemed like Cam was trying to mold himself to more of a human way of living, like an actual husband —aside from everything else here, which I’m sure was accomplished using a hell of a lot of magic.
   I slowly guided myself around the rest of the master bedroom, perusing the huge closet full of clothes, nightgowns, lingerie, and shoes that were all my style and current size. Like the armoire back at his place in the spirit realm, there was also an entire side dedicated to just maternity clothing.
   That was interesting. How long did he expect that I would be pregnant to need that much maternity wear?
   Wandering further around the house, I discovered three guest bedrooms and a beautiful sun room facing more flowering trees and bushes that formed a fence around a pool. The entertainment room was complete with state of the art stereo system, 60-inch flat-screen television, comfy recliners, and built in bookshelves filled with all sorts of books and magazines.
Damn, he’s thought of everything.
   It was the final room that drew me in hypnotically with unexpected surprise.
The nursery.
It was fully furnished and decorated with two of everything in gender neutral pastel colors of purples, yellows, and greens. Had he done all of this himself? It was absolutely adorable from the cribs, the bedding, the furniture, and even the toys.
   The walls were completely covered by one continuous, well-done mural of bright colors in the theme of an animated garden full of flowers, toys, and other baby animals.
   On the ceiling, clouds and the sun were painted in a natural sky scape pattern with birds soaring from one corner to the other.
   Looking up at them closely, I could see the pale, almost invisible outline of many small stars and a moon. I imagined that he designed it to change into a starry night sky when it was dark.
   I smiled nostalgically as I cranked the mobile over one of the cribs. It began to play a sweet lullaby as the stars, moon, and baby angels all began to rotate in a
circle.
How fitting.
   None of this had fully dawned on me yet and as I placed a hand on my abdomen, I began to realize that maybe Cam was right. I was going to be huge soon and there wouldn’t be much I could do in the line of combat at all.
   Putting myself in jeopardy and at risk wasn’t fair and I had no idea what the effects of all I had been exposed to and been through had on them either. Come to think of it, when was the last time I felt a flutter of movement like I’d been feeling every so often before?
   Guilt began to settle over me. I suppose I understand why he seems so adamant to essentially hide me from all of the darkness and Morning Star. I wouldn’t have to worry about being hunted, ambushed or attacked here but I couldn’t help but think of what the others may be facing and going through in my absence.
   Of course I was grateful that Cam had gone to great lengths to make sure that I was both happy and comfortable. But I couldn’t disregard or ignore the fact that there was definitely something else to this sudden need to build a home and keep me here.
Why now?
“What do you think? If you don’t like anything about the house or the nursery, we can change it to whatever you want.” He said as his arms gently slid around my waist.
“No, it’s all perfect. You’ve thought of everything.” I assured.
“But you’re not happy. I didn’t think staying here would upset you so much.”
I shook my head and our eyes met. “I am happy. How could I not be? I’m with you.”
He sighed softly, able to read me like a book. “If I had told you that I wanted you to stay before bringing you here, would you have come with me?”
I shrugged a shoulder. “I don’t know. I mean, I do understand your reasons, Cam, but I can also tell that something else is bothering you and I want you to tell me what that something is.”
   He pressed his lips and affectionately tucked a stray spiral curl behind my ear, his finger lingering and tracing the curve of my face and chin.
“There’s nothing. My entire existence is all about cherishing every single moment with you. Is that a bad thing?” He flashed that famous gorgeous smile that always tends to work on breaking my negative moods.
He didn’t even need magic to get to me. I was sure it was the lingering charm and effect of having been a former Angel, even if he didn’t believe that in the least.
I didn’t believe his answer.
I was going to have to work on him to get the truth out one way or another.
“Come on, let me wash your hair.” He said, taking my hand, pulling me with him and leading me out of the nursery.
   My brows rose and I looked up at him with an inquisitive smile. “You wanna wash my hair?”
A burst of arousal hit me in that instance, forcing a soft wail out of me and the brief pleasurable sensation made me shiver.
I know he did that on purpose.
   Leaning down, he brushed my hair aside and pressed his warm, soft lips against my ear lobe. Then he spoke low and seductive into my ear. “Washing your hair —Translation: An erotic prelude to relax you before making thorough, passionate love to every inch of your body, mind, and soul.”  ——

Divinity: Realm of Annihilation: Book Four... Copyright© 2015 by Susan Reid

Coming Summer 2015!

Divinity: Realm of Annihilation: Book Four Teaser!!

***Warning, if you have not read any of the first 3 books in the #Divinity Saga yet, DO NOT RUIN IT FOR YOURSELF by reading this #teaser no matter how tempting it may seem!! :D ***

However, you can get started on the saga if you haven’t already, what are you waiting for? The first book, #Divinity: The Gathering: Book One is #PERMA #FREE on #Amazon, #Barnes and Noble, and #Smashwords right now, no excuses! Get caught up today before the final book in the saga, Book 4 is released this summer!

As promised, here is an exclusive (not yet completely edited) sneak peek at Divinity: Realm of Annihilation: Book Four!! Read and enjoy it here:

Prologue

      The one Universal Law that kept any of us from destroying Morning Star no longer applied, thanks to me.

I had broken it and he had intended for it to happen.

Morning Star knew that if he had Starling, let alone both Edanai and Starling that I would not hesitate to come for him.

Though I should have been angry with myself considering what it all meant now, I wasn’t in the least.

    Nothing was off limits in both realms anymore but at the same time, neither was interference by the Angels.

In fact, it wouldn’t be long before His son would emerge, turning all that is into an all-out war against darkness on a grand scale that no man or beast has ever seen or experienced before.

“Cam, please answer me!”

Hearing Starling’s voice in my head meant that she was alright but I couldn’t be distracted by her right now no matter what.

“I’m alright, get to safety! I’ll come for you soon!”

Hysteria was prominent even in her mental voice. “I’m with Ry . . . but I don’t know if Rahab and Edanai are okay. I need to check on the others and my friend, China . . .”

“Get yourself to safety first, don’t worry about anyone else. When I get to you, we can both check on everyone together.”

I could hear her begin to sob and it pained me.

Damn!

    This was why I didn’t want to answer her in the first place but I couldn’t let her think I was hurt or worse. Ry had already informed me that he had Starling when he caught her.

“Ry, please get Starling to safety quickly. I’ll find you all soon. I cannot afford to be distracted right now.” I called out to Ry.

“Safety? Where do you want me to take her? There’s shit going on everywhere right now, nothing major but soon.”

“Take her back to her apartment if it’s safe and then have some of the others meet you there if they are able. If not, then take her back to my place and please don’t leave her alone. Do not tell her anything . . . it’s going to take me a little bit before I can find and join any of you.”

“Are you hurt badly?”

“Let’s just say that I won’t be able to fly or ghost anywhere for a while.”

There was a long pause before he finally responded. “Damn you, Cam! Let me come help you!” He raged.

“No. Protect Starling for me. I’ve got this.” Starling’s voice was a sudden, pleading whisper.

“I love you, Cam. Please come back to me, to us.”

She was killing me.

I may have been jumping the gun but setting everything into motion was my doing.

I had to finish this for her and my children.

I was going to kill Morning Star once and for all.

“I will, I promise.”

Part I

I.         Starling:

    My heart was filled with both fear and anxiety but it had nothing to do with being scared or nervous about what was starting to happen.

Strangely, I wasn’t afraid of what was happening now at all.

   I was fearful because I was missing and worried about Cam —and I felt guilty for leaving the others with no way of getting in touch with me. I couldn’t have prevented or predicted any of this though. I never imagined that Cam would be the one to flip the ‘on’ switch for the chain of events that would quickly lead to the end of the world. Ever since I woke up in the spirit realm, I’ve always had this bizarre feeling that I was going to be the one responsible for causing the destruction of the world.

Well, close enough . . . I was definitely a big part of the launch.

    I thought about everyone from China, to my divine warrior friends, and even the other warriors and elders that I would never come to know personally. Then, I thought about Lira and Spencer. Wherever they were, I prayed that we would find them soon and that they weren’t suffering or being tortured.

   Though it couldn’t be seen by mortal eyes yet, the dark crimson coating that was slowly oozing across the surface of the luminous moon made my skin crawl with an eerie sadness of a weird, distant memory.

   The sky arks that Durien told me about were soaring in and out of the atmosphere in masses, like shimmering cumulonimbus clouds in all sizes.

Who were the beings inside? Actual aliens, some other advanced species of humans, or assistants to the Angels?

   Shadows and various dark forms streaked across the sky, disappearing into the nearly indistinguishable barrier of both the spirit realm and the human realm.

   Hearing Cam promise to come back to me should have been reassuring enough but deep down, it wasn’t.

I had to get back to the apartment and make sure that China was alright first. Then, I’ll need to contact the others to find out where they are right now and if they’re ok.

“Son of a bitch!” Ry growled.

All at once, he simultaneously drew his sword in his free hand while clutching me tighter against his body, and securing his legs around mine.

My heart began to hammer wildly as if it could beat any harder and faster than it already had been. I lifted my head to get a glimpse up ahead of whatever it was that had provoked his sudden exclamation.

   An entire gang of Fallen were heading straight towards us and they didn’t appear to be friends of his.

Ry slowed and finally stopped altogether, choosing to hover while assessing the situation and his options . . . though I could tell that he really wanted to fight.

   He wouldn’t be able to fight well while balancing me in one arm though, and he surely couldn’t take all of them on by himself. Even if he could, I wouldn’t let him. Abruptly, the pack dispersed, moving to form a circle and surround us in order to block any option of retreat or changing of direction on our part.    There had to be at least twenty of them and they all had either a weapon drawn or flickering magic ready to be thrown.

I suppose I could get ready to throw some hallowed fire too but Ry might get hurt or worse in the process.

   I glanced downward. We were way too high up and the ground below reminded me of a patchwork quilt of geometric lines, greens, browns, and yellows.

I felt Ry slowly start to descend inconspicuously.

Did he plan on just dropping me? I wondered.

“Ry, what are you doing?” I whispered.

“Stay still and silent. They’re wondering if I’ve captured you myself and what I plan to do with you. They want to make a deal if I’m interested. You’re extremely valuable if you didn’t already know.” He hoarsely replied.

Pursing my lips, I frowned up at him even though he wasn’t looking down to see me do it. Even if he were, I couldn’t tell behind the dark tint of the sunglasses he was still wearing.

It was his signature accessory.

   I assumed that Ry was still engaging in some brief telepathic conversation with one or more of the other Fallen right now. He seemed mentally occupied.

“There’s too many of them . . . you’re gonna have to drop me.” I suggested with insistence.

“Are you insane? Don’t try to play martyr or heroine right now!” He reproached.

My breath hitched as the gap of distance between us and all of them began to shrink quickly. Every muscle in my body went rigid with tension and anticipation of the worst.

Yeah, they definitely planned to strike first without hesitation, which meant Ry must have told them to screw off or something after all.

“Take my sunglasses off for me and shut your eyes. Do not open them once they’re off until I tell you to, got it?” He instructed firmly.

I wanted to ask why but there was clearly no time for that.

   Freaked out by his statement, I quickly reached up over my head, grasping for his sunglasses and pulling them off while pinching my eyes shut. Despite being morbidly curious, I kept them closed. Wanting to gawk at whatever it was that he was going to do drove me crazy though.

“What are you doing?” I decided to ask anyway.

“Buying a few minutes.”

Suddenly, high-pitched shrieking and cursing echoed all around us and we began to descend superfast this time.

 Ry curled his wings around me for added protection and my stomach lurched into my throat.

Curiosity about what he’d done and what was happening now was killing me, so I disobediently peeked.

   A flaming, neon-red, sheer curtain of light surrounded us in the form of a giant cylinder and the Fallen on the other side of it appeared to be temporarily blinded, scrambling to attack us only to end up flying into each other clumsily.

The brilliance of the stinging red color hurt and my eyes immediately began to burn and water. I shut them quickly but not before a sharp pain began to radiate in between my eyes, burrowing through my brain, and finally settling in the form of a pounding ache in the back of my skull.

I winced.

That’s what I get for being hard-headed.

“Damn, they’re still coming!” Ry cursed.

“It’s me that they’re after but I don’t think they’re gonna hurt me this time. I think I’m beginning to understand why they all want me.” I informed him and then clenched my teeth against the slowly subsiding throbbing in my head.

 I didn’t tell Ry anything but my guess included everything that Morning Star said to me back at the apartment just before this happened. It made me angry as hell all over again.

“Don’t count on that. Universal Law is dead now. It’s every demon for himself and I’m not gonna have the loss of two lives on my hands. I can’t ghost out with you in tow because I have no idea what effect it’ll have on you.”

I was genuinely touched by his concern.

“Cam did it before. He created and used a portal though.”

“Do not mention him by name at all out here. It doesn’t matter anyway. If something happened . . . I’m just not gonna risk it. I can handle this a lot easier once we’re on solid ground.”

   Crap, I forgot all about doing that especially in this situation. Even though Cam`ael wasn’t his true name, it was enough to let the other Fallen know who I was soul-bound to and whose children I was possibly carrying as well.

Cam told me what his true God-given name was when he essentially proposed to become soul-bound to me. He gave me a gorgeous, custom created ring to seal the deal and I accepted it and his offering, giving him mine in return.

Technically, I guess we’re considered to be married . . . at least by spirit realm standards.

I would protect his trust at any and all cost.

   I vigorously rubbed my eyes and then with much trepidation, I opened them slowly. I made sure to keep them narrowed in an attempt to temper another full-on exposure to the eyeball- melting red film of a wall that was surrounding us.

To my complete shock . . . all I saw was flat gray.

Oh my God! I rapidly blinked, furiously rubbing my eyes one more time, only to open them to the same endless gray screen.

“Ry, I . . . I can’t see . . . I’m blind, I can’t see anything!” I shrieked, flailing in panic as if there was something I could physically do to try and force my vision to return.

I felt him inhale and exhale deeply, signaling a heavy sigh that vibrated against my back, coming from his chest.

“Stop squirming and relax. You looked when I told you not to, didn’t you?” His tone was abrasive.

“No.” I weakly lied, barely loud enough to hear myself.

“No? Really, Starling?”

“Alright, I barely peeked and it was just for a second.” I quickly admitted though my response was timid with shame. I was still hysterical with the thought of being permanently blind. He laughed briefly.

“You’ll be fine in about five minutes. For future reference, stop being so headstrong. Unlike your man, I have zero patience. I tend to get aggravated and pissed very easily, got it?”

   Even though he came across as harsh I didn’t believe that entirely. Ry was just as caring about humans as Cam and the rest of the Fallen in his circle were. I would probably never know Ry as much as I’ve come to know Cam and some of the others, but he was definitely one that I wanted on my side in this new state of the world. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize just stop doing it. We’re gonna have to find someplace safe to hang out until your sight returns because it looks like we’re gonna have to do some fighting.”

   The thought of that possibility awakened something powerful deep within me. It was the same energy that took over when I thought I’d pass out after having been thrown through the portal and into the Dark Lands.

   All of it had happened not long after Devlin returned to the Hall. I helped her and for that I was reprimanded and basically given the only option of being shunned. I had accepted shunning but it was for a completely different reason than risking myself to save her.

I would have had to leave the hall eventually anyway because Cam was a Fallen— and I was both in love with him and pregnant with his children.

“Too damned bad. I may not belong to the Divine Hall anymore but in my heart and soul, I’m still a Divine Warrior. My brandings are still silver, Hallowed Fire is still my essence, and I can still wield my Deific blades. I will fight and continue to protect all people, especially my friends, until I absolutely can’t fight anymore. That includes you guys too, Ry, even if you never consider me or us as your friends.”

“Applause-worthy speech. We’ll see how long that lasts now that the Earth is spiraling straight into an abyssal shit hole.” Ry quipped.

“It doesn’t have to. It will if we give up and let it though. Even an army of one can make a difference somewhere that could spark a domino effect.” I defended.

He didn’t respond, choosing to remain silent for whatever reason.

   Daring to open my eyes again and test my vision, I decided to wait and keep them closed until I finally felt solid ground beneath my feet.

The air was crisp and the earthy smell of wet leaves, ragweed, grass, wildflowers, and water hit my nose all at once. It was a little chilly but not cold.

   I didn’t need to see to know that we were probably in a meadow or the woods.

I couldn’t wait any longer.

Five minutes or not, I had to know if I was still temporarily blind.

I slowly opened my eyes. Though my vision was a bit hazy at first, I could see again! The environment around us had completely verified what my senses were acutely relaying to me.

  We were in a clearing next to a forest of large trees in the midst of losing their orange and brown leaves. A light layer of fog hung in the air about a foot above the ground, giving the landscape a somewhat haunting look even in the daytime.

  A narrow, running stream wound endlessly through a bank of smaller bent trees and it seemed to go on for miles. Somewhere in the distance, sheep were bleating. This peaceful, desolate area of nature in the human world hadn’t been reached or touched by darkness —yet.

   However, it wouldn’t be long before the leaders of the free world would begin to panic, not knowing what to do when their man-made weapons fail against the armies of darkness. They’ll end up making decisions that will further throw the entire world into more deadly and destructive turmoil.       

   I didn’t need to be a psychic, a seer, or a scribe to predict all of that. It was exactly what those armies and Morning Star wanted. As humans, we would end up doing the majority of their work for them ourselves.

   Ry quickly ushered me behind the trunk of a gargantuan, old tree. Continuing to use his wings to help protect and conceal me, he now held a deadly sword in each hand.

   The sound of the babbling water, the unseen sheep, and a few woodland birds were the only things that could be heard. I didn’t want to speak or move, wondering if he were doing more than just listening and watching.

After about five minutes of silence, and without looking at me, he finally spoke. “For the sake of being heard, all I’m gonna say is that I wouldn’t have risked catching you back there if I didn’t think you were pretty cool for a warrior.”

I smiled.

   Then, he laughed and chose to turn his head slightly and glance over his shoulder. I could only catch sight of his profile when I tilted my head back to look up at him.

“You jumped blindly and chose him over your own destiny as a warrior. Not a wise use of your free will but you could’ve chosen worse. You’ve got defiant balls and spunk though, so you definitely have my respect.”

I guess that was a compliment coming from Ry and I appreciated it.

“My destiny as a warrior is still the same for me. I don’t believe that things can’t be changed or made better.”

“Well, you’re several steps ahead of the rest of us then.” Ry replied cynically.

I wondered what he meant by that at first but then I understood.          Sympathetically, I thought back to the things that Cam told me about being branded a demon forever, and that would never change for them no matter what they did for repentence.

Sudden thrashing came from the other side of the stream, shaking the trees and bushes and sloshing through the water. I quickly wielded both of my blades and infused white flames into the inscribed, razor-sharp edges of each one.

   We both anticipated being rushed and attacked by that gang of Fallen. Defensively, Ry’s wings quickly snapped out and curled around us again, but this time his black and white feathers transformed into a full layer of solid, metal plates right before my eyes.

   Before I could even marvel at or ask how, he pulled me close to him and hunkered down over me to make sure that I was covered entirely from head to toe. A deluge of tiny solid objects were hailing against his newly armored wings at lightning speed.

I gasped, more worried about Ry using himself as a shield to protect me than anything else. I pressed myself against him, feeling helpless for the duration.

Once he was sure that the brief assault had ceased, he straightened and quickly began to look me over.

“Are you hit?” He asked gruffly.

“No. I don’t think so.” I replied, glancing down at my thighs and calf-length, combat-style boots for any damage.

“You’d know it, trust me.”

“What were they shooting at us?”

“Hell-thorn coated needles and Grethlor claws. The smaller the form, the more difficult it is to see and dodge until it’s too late.”

“Holy shit. What about you?” I anxiously asked.

“Don’t worry about me, I’m fine. Still think they care about not hurting you?” He breathed.

I bit my lip and sighed.

   The ground began to rumble and then it started to undulate and move like rolling waves on the ocean’s surface. I imagined there being something dangerously hideous and alive right under the Earth and it was trying to break free. This was unreal and I didn’t know how to react or what to do initially, especially when it threatened to topple me over and make me lose my balance.

   Then the air began to hum all around us with a palpable thrumming and it was getting louder and closer.

“Grab onto me!” Ry ordered. He still held a sword in each hand and his feathers had returned to their normal pitch black and sparse white coloring. His large wings snapped outward and he began to ascend.

   Before I could even get my arms fully around his lean torso, a sonic blast of power exploded between us. Its intent was obviously to separate me from him, and it sent me flying as if I were nothing more than a tumbling leaf caught in a strong breeze.

Divinity: Realm of Annihilation: Book Four is Copyrighted© 2015 by Susan Reid

Divinity: Realm of Annihilation: Book Four Update

Quick update on the final book in the Divinity Saga, Divinity: Realm of Annihilation: Book Four. So far, plans for release is this summer if all goes well. Plan for the longest book in the series at about 700 pages or more, which should make some fans very happy! I am working very hard to make sure I pack in as much intrigue, action and all the rest to satisfy Starling and Cam`ael fans! Stay tuned for more updates and a sneak peak at chapters that I will be posting soon on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/DivinityTheGathering...
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