Splendor and Darkness (Rebel Angels) Read Online Free PDF

hardest things she’d ever done. If she knew where to find him, would she be able to stay away? Did she want to stay away? Releasing an exasperated sigh, she squared her shoulders and focused on the facts. Her interaction with Nate was over. She must concentrate on her quest.
    “Can you explain why he could see me without divulging his identity?”
    Daniel chuckled. “Don’t trust yourself?”
    Smiling, she turned her face toward the fire.
    “Perhaps you were meant to be with this man. I’ve never known you to—”
    “It doesn’t matter.” She crossed her arms over her chest and buried her hands in her sleeves. “What role would I play in his life? Mistress? Wife? It’s impossible. I would only complicate things and he’s suffered enough.”
    Kneeling before her, Daniel gathered her hands between his. “What about you? Haven’t you suffered enough? Shouldn’t you claim what happiness you can find? Your quest is to rediscover life’s splendor. Perhaps you can find it with this man.”
    Longing crashed over Lailah in tormenting waves. She clenched her fists, angry and conflicted. She wanted Nate with physical intensity, but Daniel’s suggestion made no sense. Their quests were about sacrifice, overcoming personal challenges and reassessing priorities.
    Daniel shot to his feet. She lifted her head, her instincts engaging an instant after his.
    “I hear wings.” He moved across the room, leaving her seated before the hearth.
    A lump formed in her throat. Had they come to judge her? Would she be damned for seducing a mortal? Pushing to her feet, Lailah gathered defiance around her like a suit of armor. Nate had needed her. If comforting him was wrong…
    “We have visitors.” Amusement tinged Daniel’s tone, halting the downward spiral of her thoughts.
    Lailah heard him open the door. Cool air swept into the room, fresh with the scent of flowers. Flowers? It was autumn.
    Why was Daniel silent? Tension built again. Lailah prepared to unfurl her wings then warm, gentle fingers closed around her hand. Awareness jolted her. “Alyssa? Is that really you?”
    “It’s me.” Alyssa wrapped her arms around Lailah, squeezing so tight Lailah laughed. “I’m so glad to see you.”
    One of the stipulations of their exile discouraged them from interacting with other Rebel Angels. Lailah had disregarded the dictate while Alyssa was lost in lies, as Daniel ignored the stipulation now that she had lost her sight. Still, Alyssa’s visit was unexpected and welcome. Alyssa had successfully completed her quest for truth and now resided in the fifth level of Heaven with her husband Sariel.
    Easing away from Alyssa, Lailah smiled. “Is Sariel here with you?”
    “I am.” His deep voice came from beside her.
    She turned toward him and his strong arms enfolded her. Sariel had been her friend since time began. His responsibilities as Prince of the Order of Grigori left him little opportunity for anything else. There was no possibility this was a social call. “What brings you to my humble domicile?”
    It was during Alyssa’s quest for truth that Lailah had lost her sight. Her friends now lived together in blissful peace while Lailah struggled on in darkness. Even as Nate made love to her, she’d been unable to see his face. Resentment bubbled from deep within her. She’d believed herself beyond these feelings. Apparently the wounds were not yet healed.
    “Why don’t we sit?” Alyssa touched her arm. “This could be a lengthy conversation.”
    There were only two chairs before the fire, so Lailah led her guests to the table across the room. Daniel sat in his usual chair across from her. Alyssa chose the one at her side, leaving Sariel to sit beside Daniel.
    “Even before my exile, I belonged to the Order of Dominions. What brings the Prince of the Grigori to my door?”
    “I need your help.”
    Sariel sounded casual, relaxed, but Lailah remained wary. “ You need my help?” She chuckled at the irony. “How can