Page 19 of Always Eros

A light tap at my window draws my attention and I sit up on the bed, peering out but only seeing darkness. I stand and walk over, pausing before I get there. There’s another small tap, like a pebble hitting the glass, but I still don’t see anyone. I take a few steps closer, then carefully slide the window open and stick my head out, but no one is there. How could they be? I’m on the second floor. Maybe it was just the wind.

I start to close the window, but decide to stand here for a moment and enjoy the cool night air. It’s the only thing that feels real right now.

“Justice.”

I gasp and jump back when I hear my name. A shadow appears in the darkness, then as it gets closer, a man comes into view. It’s my angel!

“Eros. How did you…?”

“I’m so sorry I frightened you. Can I come in?”

I turn and look at my closed door, knowing it’s locked. They allow that here. “Yes, but be quiet. I don’t know the rules about guests yet.”

He does, slipping easily through the open window. He’s wearing black jeans with black boots and a white t-shirt, his long hair flowing around his face.

“How did you get on the second floor like that?”

“I’m a good climber.”

His answer makes no sense. It’s like he floated here. “But—"

“How are you?” he asks.

“Um…” His question distracts me, bringing fresh tears to my eyes, so I look away. “Okay,” I lie.

“Justice, please. Are you safe here?”

“Oh yeah. I’m safe.” I nod, wiping my eyes. “It’s hard to explain, but I’m questioning everything I’ve ever believed, and it just feels so disorienting.”

“I can only imagine.”

“What are you doing here? How did you get up here?”

“I had to make sure you were okay. The way we met, it just felt too abrupt to leave you and never check in.” He smiles and the sight leaves my knees weak. “As far as how I got up here, I climbed. I didn’t think knocking on the front door was an option.”

“You did all that to see me?”

“Yes.”

Nodding as my whole body warms, I sit on the edge of the bed while Eros stands in front of me. “Can I tell you some things that I learned today?”

“Please.”

“Nightsky is the name of the cult I was raised in. My parents joined back in the nineties so I was born into it.”

Eros nods, joining me on the edge of the bed. I prefer this so I don’t keep getting stuck on his face.

“Nightsky has one leader, the Supreme Being. We were raised to believe that he’s immortal and chosen by the blood king.”

“Blood king?”

“Yes. The blood king was born to royalty centuries ago and lived a sinful life until he went on a trip and was lost in the woods. There he met a creature who gave him all the secrets of the universe and told him to spread the word to those most worthy.”

“Okay.”

“The blood king searched the earth for centuries, finding worthy men and women based on the purity of their blood, and created his sanctuary. That’s how he found the Supreme Being, but the blood king made a fatal error in judgment. He allowed his heart to stray from the truth and gave it to another. Her blood was tainted and poisoned the blood king. On his deathbed, he gave the secrets to the Supreme Being and appointed him as his successor.”

Eros watches me intently, his brow furrowed.

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