I fight against gravity to pull myself into a sitting position, my sleep-ladden eyes squinting to open. The first thing I notice is the fuzzy blanket draped over me, which I’m certain I hadn’t fallen asleep with. I blink a few more times, forcing my eyes to work so I can see the little table between us.
It’s overflowing with options, but the charcuterie is calling my name.
After fixing a full plate, I settle back into my seat with my dinner propped on my lap. I’m keenly aware of Dusk watching me, so I clear my throat to attempt some small talk with the angel. “So… do you have to eat?”
He glances down at the plate he’s building, his eyebrows crinkling. “Does my eating bother you?”
“What? No, of course not! I was just… since you’re an angel and all…” I groan. “You know what I mean. If you’re such an immortal, invincible super-soldier, then why bother with food?”
“It’s convenient fuel, and I like the taste of it.” He chuckles, leaning back with his plate. “I’m not a vampire.”
I almost drop my fork, my eyes wide with panic. “Those arereal,too?”
“Heavens!” He bursts out into a full laugh. “No! They’re just human folklore.”
Well, thank God, but I feel like a fucking idiot now. Screw small talk. With a huff, I eat a few bites before bothering to address him again. “Where exactly in Israel is this place we’re going to enter the Abyss?”
“Urim,” he replies simply.
What is that, a city? I’ve never heard of such a place in my life. “…Which is where?”
“The Negev desert.” He pauses for a moment, clearly debating what he wants to share. “About thirteen miles from the Gaza Strip border.”
My whole body tenses. “That’s… not safe.”
“Not exactly, no. But it’s unlikely we’ll encounter any problems. Even if we did, I promise I’ll protect you, my Dawn. You have nothing to worry about.” He pops a piece of sushi in his mouth, his nonchalance making him seem confident in himself beyond a shadow of a doubt.
I want to believe him, but I’m afraid, and fear is a powerful motivator. “Are angels sanctioning the 144k?”
“Why would you ask that?”
I thought it was obvious. “Aren’t they, you know… part of the apocalypse prophecy?”
“Oh,” he rubs the back of his neck. “Yes, they are mentioned in Revelation. I’d imagine we’re supporting the 144k, as the Almighty’s chosen people for Armageddon. However, that doesn’t mean we’re against Israel or Palestine, either.”
I purse my lips. That’s a non-answer if I’ve ever heard one. “Do you not know?”
He puts another piece of sushi in his mouth, seeming to buy himself some time to think as he chews. After a long sip of his white wine, he shrugs. “The plan for the Holy Land is above my pay grade, as your people say.”
My frown deepens. “Who would know?”
“The Council.”
“Who is that?”
“Just what it sounds like—a council of angels.” He sighs, seeming annoyed, before leaning back in his chair with his glass of wine. “Again, you have nothing to fear. You will be safe with me. Would you have me swear it to Kesbeel?”
“Who?”Kes-bee-ul?Is that supposed to be a name? Maybe I misheard him, and he actually saidkeys' bell. But… that still wouldn’t make any sense…
“It’s—” His expression falters, momentarily dipping into uncertainty. “Just someone of an old legend that we angels will sometimes swear oaths in the name of.”
“What’s the legend?”
“A long story for another time.” He tips his glass of wine towards my food. “Eat, Kae. Once your stomach is no longer growling at us, you can go back to sleep.”
Sleep does sound nice.
I consider grilling him with questions for a bit longer, but I don’tthink I’d get any further. Plus, I have so many that I haven’t even begun to prioritize what I need to know the most.
