Sins of the Innocent - Jamie McGuire Page 0,19

breathing in his amazing scent.

“Nina does the hair-behind-the-ear thing,” Eli said, pointing to my ear.

“My dad has mentioned that,” I said.

“You’re a lot like her, Eden. Impatient. Rash. Passionate. Hesitant.”

My cheeks flushed. “Everything I shouldn’t be.”

“On the contrary,” Eli said. He took a step toward me, lifting my chin with his fingers. “They are the best parts of you. These are what make you human. Humans are shamed by their flaws.” His thumb brushed the thin skin beneath my eye. “Like the tears you’re trying to hold in. Cry. It’s beautiful. Be angry. Make mistakes. Do something embarrassing. Act out of desperation. Disappoint someone. Disappoint yourself. Fail,” he said the last word with conviction. “It’s incredibly beautiful to watch humans learn. It’s all about learning, Eden. That’s what life is. A hundred years of lessons disguised as experiences. Good and bad.”

Tears stung my eyes. I wasn’t even sure why I was crying. Eli spoke with such truth, selflessness, and without judgment. He loved me even more deeply than the unconditional love of my parents, but he loved all humans that way.

“There’s a boy,” I said.

Eli released my chin, excitement in his eyes. “Do tell.”

“You know who it is.”

“Leviathan. He’s … interesting.”

“There’s a prophecy that speaks of him and me in the old texts and in the book of Hell.” I didn’t dare say the true title of Hell’s texts in Eli’s presence. Heaven considered those pages an abomination.

“Indeed,” Eli said, beginning to pace. He was gearing up to tell a story. “The same prophecy but with very different outcomes.”

“Can you tell me?” I asked.

Eli narrowed his eyes. “Your parents have chosen not to.” He winked at me and smiled. “Can you keep a secret?”

“Yes,” I said, relieved.

“The prophecy in the scrolls is very specific. You’re responsible for keeping the Balance, Eden. That means you’re neutral. The consequence of failure is death.”

“Neutral? How can I be neutral against Hell? I thought I was fighting the good fight?”

“Demons aren’t the only ones tempted to break the rules. Your grandfather, for example.”

“What?” I choked out.

“Being loyal to no one but the cause creates enemies. You’re already operating on borrowed time. The prophecy in Levi’s Bible foretells of your demise to increase Lucifer’s power.” Eli rolled his eyes. “The theme of the entire universe, it seems, is power.”

I hugged my middle. “How does he benefit from my death if I’m neutral?”

“Lucifer holds a mean grudge, Eden. He tried to overthrow Heaven. He’s still trying. You know this plane is a battlefield. Direct influence would make things much easier for him. Now that you’re in human form, it’s an opportunity to eliminate the thorn in his side.”

“Now? Does that mean I haven’t always been?”

Eli closed his eyes, amused. “Focus. The world without Balance would be real Hell on Earth, if you know what I mean. In an interesting turn of events, the son of Lucifer was tasked to ensure your failure on Earth.”

“I know. Hell predicts that he’ll kill me.”

“Not necessarily.”

“Just that I’ll die?”

“Exactly.”

I swallowed. “I’m going to die?”

“No, child,” Eli said, strolling over to me and taking me into his arms. “Nothing truly dies.”

“But he hates me,” I said, my voice muffled in Eli’s shirt.

Eli released me. “The Creator has a temper, for certain. But he doesn’t hate you. You’re like the third friend who won’t take sides while the other two are being awful to each other.”

I blinked, looking at the floor. “I’m even more confused.”

“You’re forbidden to take sides. That leaves you out of his favor and the enemy of Hell. Failing to do your duty means war. Do you know what Earth calls a war between Heaven and Hell?”

I shook my head.

“The Apocalypse. But he, in his infinite wisdom, has placed you here to make a choice. And you’re going to save us all.”

“You just said I was going to fail.”

“You’re not listening. You will not fail, Eden Ryel. You are your father’s daughter. You’ll do what’s right in the end.”

I could feel him pulling away, leaving me, and it was excruciating. “Please don’t. I don’t understand.”

“I’m always here.”

“What about Levi?”

“He has chosen to be your ally. He’s cute, too, which is a bonus.” He grinned.

“The son of Satan is my ally?” I asked, horrified.

“You’re essentially cut from the same cloth, both half-human. Even though you’re stronger than any Arch or demon, you share the same pressures.”

“His goal is to kill me.”

“Look into his eyes, Eden. He’s been watching you for a long time. Has he tried to kill you?”

“He attacked