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"That's a very ambitious undertaking, Dr Taylor," I said, leaning over and looking at the map. It was. The site might actually be the original city concealed by later layers of habitation, Dr Taylor was right, but the wrath of God had levelled the place, and the sheer heat of the heavenly fire that had rained down that day would have destroyed any proof that Dr Taylor might have found on another site. The most the excavation had found so far were pottery shards, which although inherently useful to any archaeological dig, would not have the proof Dr Taylor was looking for. Proving the identity of an ancient city obliterated by divine punishment was no easy task. The archaeological evidence needed to be substantial, undeniable, and able to withstand rigorous scrutiny from sceptics. I admired Dr Taylor's determination, but I couldn't help feeling sorry for the man.
On the slightest chance he found something that would lead to the site being identified as Sodom, the Concordia agents would shut him down, or find some way to disprove it. He was fighting a losing battle, and I was one of those agents that would be working against him right under his nose. I felt a twinge of guilt but tried to push it away. This was how it had to be. Proof of biblical miracles was not permitted. The heavenly Council had decided on this long ago. Faith relied on believing without proof. If humans found substantial proof of divinity, faith itself would lose its power and the world would be a darker place because of it.
"It is, but can you imagine if we found actual proof? The world as we know it would change forever."
"Hasn't it changed enough for you in the last five years?" I asked sadly. The outpouring of nephilim, angels and demons onto the earth had caused chaos for years, and it was only just starting to settle into some kind of new normal as humans adapted to the idea of supernaturals around them.
"Well, of course, yes, but the presence of angels and demons doesn't prove the existence of God himself, does it? Angels and demons are found in many faiths and religions on earth. This would be actual proof of who was right."
His eyes sparkled with excitement, and I forced a smile. He was wrong, it wouldn't do any such thing. The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah could be found in several different religious texts, all it would do was cause more fighting and disagreement between factions. When would humans realise that their curiosity was their undoing?
A young man barely out of his teens ran into the tent, breathing hard. "Dr Taylor, the rest of the team has arrived."
Andy glanced at me and smiled. "Wonderful. We can get you all settled in your lodgings and get to work."
I smiled at him and followed him out of the tent, though inside I felt a twinge of nerves. I forced them down. When did I get nervous? I had commanded a host of thousands of angels for three thousand years. A team of ragtag demons and supernaturals was nothing to me. Still, I needed to make a good impression. I needed this to work so I could get a team of my own and prove to Gabriel I was still loyal to him. That I was still useful.
We moved between the tents out into the open space near the road where Andy had met me. Two large black 4x4s had pulled up, and people bustled around them unloading bags and cases of equipment. I rolled my eyes at the site. Humans just loved their stuff. I watched as a ramp was lowered from one of the cars, but my attention was distracted as a dark shadow fell across my face. I looked up at the biggest man I had ever seen.
Gabriel was tall, easily reaching six foot five, but this man was even taller and so... big. Huge, muscled shoulders were accentuated perfectly by a close fitting black tank top that did nothing to hide the curve of the muscles beneath the fabric. His black cargo trousers were loose fitting, and his black boots were huge. I looked up, tipping my head back to see the man's face. Dark skin, almost black, a flash of white teeth and black eyes that seemed like pools of ink. Strong cheekbones and a shaved head. Black tattoos covered every inch of skin on his arms and neck and over his head, only his face was free of the designs, and as he moved closer, I could feel the power emanating from the designs. Magical tattoos. I sucked in my breath. This man was a sorcerer, and a powerful one at that. Not someone to mess with.
I stood there, momentarily stunned by the sheer presence of the man before me. His energy seemed to radiate, giving off an aura of raw power and intensity. It was a stark contrast to my own celestial energy, which was more refined and controlled. I could sense an air of confidence and authoritysurrounding him. He moved with a fluid grace, his presence commanding attention from everyone around him. His eyes met mine and I felt my heart leap in my chest. I had encountered many supernatural beings in my long existence, but there was something different about him. Something that stirred something primal within me. Fear, maybe. I pushed away the thought that it might be something else as his eyes moved slowly down my body. I felt a strange flutter in my belly, and my breath seemed to catch in my throat. Damn heat. I missed the damp chill of London more than I'd thought.
"Dr Taylor," he said in a deep, commanding voice that sent shivers down my spine. "I've heard a lot about you. Alastor Hawke." He reached out to Andy, shaking his hand.
"Mr. Hawke, the pleasure is mine. You can't imagine what it's been like." Andy glanced over at me. “Raids on the camp, and some of the crew, they've been seeing things at night. Some of those hellion creatures, I don't doubt. We'll sleep safer in our beds knowing your crew is here."
Hawke nodded. "We'll establish a perimeter at night, have some men out during the day at the various locations. And I'll lead a small team to track down the hellion nest." His eyes fell on me, and I realised this was the cover for our own explorations of the area, finding the nest. Wasn't a bad cover story.
I swallowed, not wanting him to realise how much he intimidated me and held my own hand out.
"Mr Hawke, I'm Sariel Collins."
His eyes burned into mine with an intensity that unnerved me, and the side of his mouth twitched as if he were about to smile.
"Are you indeed? Good to finally meet you, Sariel."
He took my hand, gripping it firmly. I wasn't small or petite by any means, hitting a good five foot ten in height, and I was immensely strong, even for an angel, but in his hand, mine looked tiny. I stared at it for a moment, feeling the warmth of hisskin, and then something else beyond that; a strange sensation as though my skin were burning at his touch, but there was no pain. The feeling grew, moving along my arm and my shoulder, passing into my body, flooding through me. It became electricity sparking through my veins until it reached my heart which seemed to almost stop beating and then start again. I looked up at him, my mouth falling open as the intensity of it all seemed to make the whole world around us fall away, like we were the only two in existence. Dark eyes gleamed, and the twinkle of amusement I'd seen before winked out in a flash, an expression of shock flashing across his face.
Before I could comprehend what was happening, the sorcerer abruptly released my hand, and the sensation vanished. The air crackled with an electric energy, and I could sense that something inexplicable had transpired between us. My heart raced, a mix of exhilaration and apprehension coursing through my veins. The connection between us faded and the surge of energy dissipated, leaving me feeling strangely empty and cold. I blinked, trying to regain my composure, while Alastor seemed to gather himself as well.
"Apologies," he muttered under his breath, his gaze averted as if he were embarrassed by whatever had just transpired between us. "That... was unexpected."
I cleared my throat, struggling to find my voice. "It's fine," I managed to say, though my words felt weak and unconvincing even to my own ears.
Andy, who had been observing our interaction with curiosity from the side, broke the awkward silence. "Shall we get everyone settled in their lodgings then? We have a lot of work ahead of us."
Alastor nodded curtly, his face regaining its usual composed demeanour. "That's a good idea, Dr Taylor. Sariel, we'll get everyone situated and the equipment unpacked, and then I'llmake the introductions before we head out to help. Is that okay with you?"
I nodded. "Fine by me. I need to unpack myself. I'd only just arrived shortly before you did."
Andy stepped between us, finally breaking eye contact and instantly I felt lighter as that intensity disappeared.
"Well, Sariel, let's grab your bag. I'll show you to your tent and get you sorted, and then I'll come back and get the others sorted."
As Andy and I walked towards the rows of tents, my mind was still reeling from the encounter with Alastor Hawke. The surge of energy, the inexplicable connection between us... I could only assume it was the magical energy he possessed, maybe clashing with my own angelic powers. That must be it.
I couldn't deny that there was an undeniable attraction, something beyond mere physicality, but obviously there would be no question of me acting on it. Angels weren't permitted to indulge in physical love. Or any kind of romantic love. Our love was for the human race as a whole, not for one single person, and anyway, why on earth was I thinking about physical love after meeting him for a few moments? I shook my head, as if to dispel the unwanted thoughts.
