Ascension, page 1
Ascension
Book 1 in the Of Brimstone & Halos Saga
The Of Brimstone & Halos Saga
Book One
Isadora Brown
Contents
1. Everly
2. Walton
3. Everly
4. Walton
5. Everly
6. Walton
7. Everly
8. Walton
9. Everly
10. Walton
11. Everly
12. Walton
13. Everly
14. Walton
15. Everly
16. Walton
17. Everly
18. Walton
19. Everly
20. Walton
21. Everly
22. Walton
23. Everly
24. Walton
25. Everly
26. Walton
27. Everly
28. Walton
29. Everly
30. Walton
31. Everly
32. Walton
33. Everly
34. Walton
Newsletter Information
Did You Like Ascenscion?
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1
Everly
The Sanctum of Glyphs was dimly lit, shadows dancing along the stone walls as flickering torches struggled to keep the darkness at bay. The air smelled faintly of incense and aged parchment, a scent that always made me feel like I was on the brink of uncovering some ancient secret. The room itself was circular, with intricate symbols carved into the floor and walls, each one holding a specific purpose in our training.
Elise stood in the center, her auburn hair pulled back into a tight braid. She radiated a calm confidence that I always envied. She was the Seraphim Bride, chosen by God to bear Archangel Michael’s children. It made her a figure of awe and reverence within the bunker, but to me, she was just my older sister.
“Elise, do you think we’ll be able to practice the Binding Rune today?” I asked, my excitement barely contained.
Elise glanced at me, her green eyes—the same green eyes I had—sparkling with a mix of amusement and affection. “We’ll see, Everly. First, let’s make sure you’ve mastered the basics.”
She knelt beside one of the runes carved into the floor, motioning for me to join her. “This is the Protection Rune,” she began, tracing the symbol with her fingers. “It’s fundamental to everything else you’ll learn.”
I nodded eagerly and mirrored her movements, feeling the rough grooves of the stone beneath my fingertips. Elise’s presence always had a calming effect on me, and today was no different.
I knelt beside Elise, my fingers grazing the rune she had traced. The stone was cool and slightly rough under my touch, its surface worn from years of use. Tiny flecks of mica caught the torchlight, making the symbol seem almost alive as it glimmered faintly. Each line and curve of the rune felt deliberate, imbued with purpose and history.
Elise’s voice brought me back to the present. “Feel the energy in the stone,” she instructed, her tone gentle but firm. “It’s more than just a symbol; it’s a conduit for power.”
I closed my eyes and let my senses focus on the stone beneath me. It was as if I could feel a subtle hum, a vibration that connected me to something larger than myself. The air seemed to thicken, charged with an invisible force.
“Elise,” I murmured, opening my eyes to meet her gaze, “I can feel it.”
A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. “Good. Now, channel that energy into the rune.”
Taking a deep breath, I concentrated on the symbol beneath my hand. I imagined drawing power from the earth itself, funneling it through my body and into the carved lines of the rune. The stone seemed to warm under my touch, a faint glow emanating from the symbol.
Elise watched intently, her eyes never leaving mine. “Keep going,” she urged softly. “You’re doing well.”
The glow grew brighter, illuminating the surrounding symbols with a soft, ethereal light. I felt a surge of pride and excitement. For a moment, I forgot about everything else.
Then, abruptly, the light flickered and died.
I gasped, pulling my hand back as if burned. The rune returned to its dormant state, lifeless and cold once more.
“It’s okay,” Elise reassured me, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. “You did well for your first attempt.”
I nodded, though frustration gnawed at me. I wanted so badly to master these skills, to be useful like Elise.
“Elise,” I began hesitantly, “how long did it take you to learn this?”
She chuckled softly, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. “Longer than you might think,” she admitted. “But remember, Everly—patience is just as important as skill.”
Her words settled over me like a warm blanket. I knew she was right; mastery wouldn’t come overnight. Still, I couldn’t shake the feeling that time was slipping through our fingers.
“Let’s try again,” Elise said gently, guiding my hand back to the rune.
I held out my fingers again, determined to get it right. Determined not to give up.
“Good,” she said softly. “Now focus your energy here.” She placed her hand over mine, guiding me through the motions.
The room seemed to hum with energy as we worked together. Elise rarely had time for these sessions anymore, consumed by her duties as the Seraphim Bride. It made these moments all the more precious to me.
“Elise,” I said as we paused between runes, “do you ever wish things were different?”
She looked at me thoughtfully before answering. “Sometimes,” she admitted. “But we all have our roles to play in God’s plan.”
Her words hung in the air as we continued our training. The weight of our responsibilities pressed down on us, but in that moment, it felt like nothing else mattered except the two of us and the ancient symbols we traced together.
“Let’s try something more advanced,” Elise suggested after a while. “How about the Healing Rune?”
I nodded eagerly again, grateful for every minute spent with her. We continued our practice in silence, each movement bringing us closer to mastering the sacred art of runes.
Elise's eyes sparkled with anticipation as she led me to another part of the Sanctum. The floor here bore a different kind of symbol, one that seemed more intricate and delicate.
“This is the Healing Rune,” Elise said, her voice soft but commanding. “It’s more complex than the Protection Rune. It requires a deeper connection with both the earth and your own inner strength.”
I knelt beside her, my gaze fixed on the rune. It spiraled outward from a central point, like the petals of a blooming flower. Tiny lines crisscrossed its surface, forming an intricate web of energy pathways. Unlike the bold strokes of the Protection Rune, this one felt almost fragile, like it could shatter under too much pressure.
Elise placed her hand over the central point of the rune, and I followed suit. “You’ll need to focus your energy here,” she instructed, pressing down gently. “Imagine it flowing outward through each line and curve, filling the entire symbol with your intent. But be careful. This will drain your energy.”
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, letting my mind clear. I visualized my energy as a warm, golden light pooling in my chest before radiating down my arm and into the rune beneath my palm.
“Elise,” I whispered, “when would we use this? It's not like the Bunker is ever in danger. Not with the Seraphim guarding us."
She paused for a moment, her hand still steady over mine. “The Healing Rune is used in times of great need,” she explained. “When someone is injured or sick, it can help mend their wounds and restore their strength.”
“Can you heal a demon with it?” I asked.
“Demons are men who made deals with the devil,” she replied. “The only one who can revert a demon back into its original form, back into a human, is the devil himself. And it’s only after a demon has paid his penance to him. Remember, they were once humans. It’s not our job to judge why they sought the devil—”
“They could have gone to God,” I said. “It makes no sense why anyone would even want to go to the devil when we have God.”
“Everly, you must mind your privilege,” she said. “You were born into a blessed life, where God was worshipped, as He should be. You already have an advantage. These demons… Some have been around before the fall. We cannot change their decisions. We haven’t been in their positions. All we can do is pray they find God again.”
“Isn’t it too late for them?” I whispered.
“It’s never too late for God.”
I nodded slowly, trying to absorb the gravity of her words. The idea of being able to heal someone was both exhilarating and daunting.
“Think about someone you care about,” Elise continued softly. “Imagine them hurt or in pain and let that drive your intent.”
My thoughts immediately went to Elise herself. I pictured her strong but weary form after a long day of training or fulfilling her duties as the Seraphim Bride. The image fueled my determination, and I felt a surge of warmth flow through me.
The rune beneath our hands began to glow faintly, its lines lighting up like tiny veins filled with golden light.
“Good,” Elise murmured encouragingly. “Keep going.”
I focused harder, feeling the energy spread through every line and curve of the symbol. The glow grew stronger, casting a soft light on our faces.
A fter what felt like an eternity but was probably only minutes, Elise gently lifted her hand from the rune.
“You did well,” she said, her voice filled with pride.
I opened my eyes to see the Healing Rune still glowing faintly beneath us. It felt like a small victory—a step closer to mastering these ancient skills, despite the slight dizziness.
“Thank you,” I whispered, looking up at Elise with gratitude.
She smiled warmly at me, brushing a stray lock of hair from my face. “Remember this feeling,” she said softly. “It will guide you when you need it most.”
She straightened, her eyes narrowing with a sense of purpose. “Everly,” she said, her voice taking on a serious tone. “I want to teach you the Rune of Flames.”
I blinked, taken aback. “But we don’t need that in the Bunker,” I protested, confusion lacing my words.
“You don’t always know if you’ll be in the Bunker,” she pointed out, her gaze unwavering. “And you need to be prepared. If something happens to me… you need to learn how to protect yourself.”
“What could possibly happen to you?” I asked.
“You never know what’s in the outside,” she replied.
Her words sent a shiver down my spine. My eyes widened, darting around the room even though it was empty save for us. “Elise, discussing the Outside… that’s close to treason,” I whispered, lowering my voice as if someone might overhear. “We need to be grateful we’re even here, and to even discuss the Outside is acting against God.”
Elise cupped my face gently, her touch warm and reassuring. “Everly,” she murmured before letting out a sigh. She looked away. “Perhaps you’re right. But may I teach it to you? Just in case? You know demons run free up there. Maybe they use their trickery and their savagery to get in. I want you capable; I want you to be able to defend yourself and our bunker."
I bit my lip, considering her words. The thought of learning something so powerful both thrilled and terrified me. But Elise’s earnest eyes held a determination that was hard to refuse.
“All right,” I agreed, nodding slowly.
Elise’s face softened with relief. She took my hand and guided me to a new section of the Sanctum where the Rune of Flames was etched into the stone floor. The symbol was unlike any other—sharp lines and jagged edges radiated outward like tongues of fire.
“This rune harnesses the power of fire,” she explained, kneeling beside it. “It can be used for both offense and defense, but it requires immense focus and control.”
I knelt beside her. Elise placed her hand over the central point of the rune, motioning for me to do the same.
“Feel the energy within you,” she instructed softly. “Imagine it as a spark that you can ignite into a flame.”
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, visualizing a tiny spark in my core. I focused on that spark, willing it to grow into a flickering flame.
“Elise,” I murmured, opening my eyes slightly to meet hers.
She nodded encouragingly. “Now channel that flame into the rune.”
With her guidance, I concentrated on transferring the fiery energy from within me into the symbol beneath our hands. The lines of the rune began to glow with an intense heat, illuminating our faces with a warm light.
“Good,” Elise said. “Keep going.”
I focused harder, feeling the power surge through me as the rune’s glow intensified.
“That’s it,” Elise whispered.
As the rune's glow intensified, I felt a sudden surge of fear. The lines blazed with an intense heat, and for a moment, it felt like the flames might leap from the stone and engulf us both. Panic seized me, and the glow snuffed out as quickly as it had appeared. I pulled my hand back, heart pounding.
“Elise, I—” I stammered, looking at her with wide eyes.
She placed a calming hand on my shoulder. “It’s okay, Everly. You did well on your first try. The Rune of Flames is powerful and requires immense control. It’s natural to be afraid.”
I nodded, swallowing hard. “But what if I can’t control it? What if I hurt someone?”
Elise’s eyes softened with understanding. “That’s why we practice,” she said gently. “So you can learn to harness its power without letting fear take over.” Her expression grew serious. “Against a demon, you need to channel all your intent into the rune,” she explained. “Imagine the flame growing larger and more intense, burning away the darkness. Demons thrive on fear and chaos, so your resolve must be stronger than theirs.”
I nodded slowly, trying to absorb her words. The idea of facing a demon was terrifying, but Elise’s calm demeanor gave me some comfort.
Her gaze held mine steadily. “Against a man, you must use restraint,” she said firmly. “The flame should be controlled, enough to deter but not destroy. Imagine it as a shield rather than a weapon—something that protects you without causing unnecessary harm. However…” She let her voice trail off. “Sometimes, it’s easy to assume the line between a man and a monster is clear. But the truth is, men can be just as evil as monsters. Demons were men once. But with the devil’s influence, their debauched sensibilities are free to run rampant.”
“Are you saying… to use this against men as well?” I paused. “I don’t understand, Elise. You tell me demons must be shown grace and that men are monsters.”
Elise sighed. “Just… forget about it, okay?” She smiled. “Trust your intuition. That’s God. And I know you trust Him.”
I took another deep breath, letting her words sink in. The idea of wielding such power was daunting, but Elise’s guidance made me feel like it was possible.
“You speak as if something’s going to happen,” I said quietly, searching her face for any hint of what she might be thinking.
Elise smiled faintly, but didn’t meet my gaze directly. “You never know,” she replied softly.
Her words lingered in the air between us as we continued our practice in silence. Each movement brought me closer to mastering the Rune of Flames and understanding the delicate balance of power and control that it required. With Elise by my side, I felt more determined than ever to learn and protect those I cared about.
"I'm surprised Archangel Michael allowed you to learn this," I said, my voice barely above a whisper as I traced the fading lines of the Rune of Flames.
Elise's expression tightened. "I didn't ask."
My eyes widened in shock. "But—"
"I wanted to surprise him," she cut me off, a hint of defiance in her tone. "Being promised to someone like him has… humbled me. I needed to show him I could be useful in more than just…bearing children."
I nodded slowly, trying to process her words. "Of course," I murmured. "Do you think I'll be as happy as you are with my intended?"
Elise chuckled softly, shaking her head. "You don't have an intended."
"Yet," I pointed out.
"There's no rush," Elise said. "You're only twenty-three."
"Practically a hag," I retorted, rolling my eyes dramatically.
"Please." She scoffed, but there was a playful glint in her eye. "At the Reaping, you'll be Matched and you'll be able to start your family. It's only a few months away. You'll do your duty to the bunker and to God Himself, and you'll be rewarded for eternity. Just like you want. Just like we're all supposed to want."
A smile tugged at my lips despite myself. "I know it's vain, but do you think he'll be handsome?" I asked. "Do you think he'll be kind?"
"He'll probably be scarred and mangled and broken," Elise teased, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "Maybe he'll even be a demon."
"Don't joke about that," I said, though I couldn't help but smile at her jest. The thought of demons still sent a shiver down my spine.
Elise's expression grew more serious as she nodded. "Well, once they complete their job, Lucifer either keeps them or turns them back to their human form. It could work out for you.”
