Shackled (The Lord Series) by Carlos
375. Ansel - Asa III

When I decided to help Andy, the boy destined to be Olivia's guardian, I understood the implications that Samael, the most powerful and strongest of the Nephilims would be no more. I stopped being the general of Ophyr's army the moment I followed Erelah into this world. Pandora's protection around this world stripped me of my immortality, leaving my body similar to those of humans. Maybe weaker, as I was quickly deteriorating, and by the time Andy turned five, I was an old man.

I still remember the day Andy and I became one. How it happened is a haze in my mind, as the pain was unbearable. If not for Ladybug, I would not be here today. She found me in time and nursed me back to life. Once I was well, with infinite patience, she taught me about Olivia. It wasn't necessary, as I had both Andy and Samael's memories, but listening about Pandora's heir made me fall deeply in love with her.

Asa stands in the doorframe, blocking our way out. I spread my wings wide, letting him know that I will fight him.

How on Earth did Asa get in here? Next to him, Spencer looks at us with a happy expression. I thought he was sleeping.

What disturbed his sleep?

The doorbell.

We all ignore it, but it must have woken up Spencer, who let Asa in. I should have thought that something like this would happen, but I was so worried that I'd lose my family that I wasn't thinking straight. Before Olivia and my blood-brothers, I never had a family. Never knew the joy of being with the woman I love.

The people in this room are what I fight for.

I take a step forward. "I am not Samael anymore. Nor Andy. I am Ansel, bonded and guardian of Olivia. Blood-brother of Rueben, Tyson, Mose, and Jasper." Father to Spencer and the baby growing inside Olivia. I don't mention them, not wanting Asa to try to control me by harming them.

"You are...a Nephilim?" Tyson snarls. Mose gives me a look of disgust. He has been acting strange around me since he returned. I'm sure he knew even before what I was but why didn't he say something about it? Olivia looks at Spencer, her body emanating a low glow. She won't let anyone harm her child.

"Not anymore," I reply. Holding my head high, I say, "I'm a Lord."

The looks full of anger and distrust coming from my blood-brothers show me how fragile human relationships are. Over the years, I have thought about what would happen if the truth about me ever came to light. I thought I was ready but nothing prepared me for the way Olivia looks at me. Like I broke her heart.

Once Asa is not a threat anymore, I will remind her about us, about our past.

I will tell her about Samael and Erelah and why I chose to follow her here. Not out of hate or because I wanted to end her, but because I was obsessed with her. She was a mystery that I couldn't solve. I still can't.

For once, my blood-brothers don't know what to say. It's not every day they learn that one of them is a Nephilim.

Asa's wings spring forth.

It is a Nephilim custom. The one who has the biggest and brighter wings is the strongest.

Power radiates from him. He is still a Nephilim.

Olivia slowly moves towards Spencer. Asa doesn't seem to notice, but I know him better than anyone. Better than Ophyr. I can't say the exact amount of years the two of us fought side by side, as time was irrelevant to us. During those times, Asa was the closest thing to a friend. Trusting has been my biggest mistake. But if not for him, I would not be here today.

I might not be a Nephilim anymore, but there was one thing I still have divine power. It might not be enough to kill Asa, but it might be enough to give Olivia and the others time to get away from here.

I try to distract Asa from Spencer, who is too little to understand the danger he is in. "No need to involve others in our shit."

Mose still doesn't get it, as he says, "You involved us when you tricked us into believing you were one of us."

Olivia's palms curl into fists.

Asa smiles.

My demon snarls. No.

That's a lie.

I never had a demon. I am part one, as all Nephilims were created by Ophyr, who took a demon and an angel and fused them together, creating something new, something stronger. I was the first Nephilim, my loyalty unwavering until Erelah. To be Ansel, to be Olivia's Guardian, I had to convince not only those around me that I had a demon, that I was a Lord, but myself as well. I even tricked my blood-brothers demons. Mose's demon figured it out in the end. He was impressed by my ability to make it seem like I was a vessel to a demon.

Asa lets go of Spence, who goes to Olivia. At least he didn't harm my son.

A sword of fire appears in Asa's hands, who enters the study. He doesn't appear to be interested in my family, only in eliminating me.

Betrayal among the Nephilims is paid by death.

But Asa targeted me before I decided to pledge allegiance to Olivia.

Asa slowly walks toward me. I jerk my head, letting Rueben and Tyson know they need to get the others out of here. One second later, they are out of the office.

I reach deep inside me and bring forth my sword. It's the last time I can summon it as it will deplete me of my powers. It will probably kill me. I would rather give my life to save Olivia and our son than to keep fighting for Ophyr.