The Fall of Lilith Read online

  This book is dedicated to my husband JC Vega with love.

  What can I say about a man who doesn’t read fiction, but tirelessly listened while I read this book again and again. And who after listening to the dark parts of the book continues to sleep next to me with the lights off.

  To my parents, Rosa Maria and Rafael, my greatest heroes, thank you for instilling in me the love of reading.

  To the bookworms, book nerds, and bibliophiles––this is for you.

  The Fall of Lilith

  by Vashti Quiroz-Vega

  Copyright © 2017 by Vashti Quiroz-Vega

  This edition published by Vashti Quiroz-Vega

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means –

  except in the case of brief quotations embodied in articles or reviews – without written permission from its Publisher.

  Copyright © 2017 Vashti Quiroz-Vega

  All rights reserved.

  ISBN-10: 1-947475-01-0

  ISBN-13: 978-1-947475-01-4

  Contents

  Book I

  Chapter 1: In the Beginning

  Chapter 2: Lilith’s Secret

  Chapter 3: Quest for Excitement

  Chapter 4: Original Punishment

  Chapter 5: Developing Attractions

  Chapter 6: Rivalry

  Chapter 7: Michael’s Request

  Chapter 8: God’s Declaration

  Chapter 9: The Cosmos And Nature Interpretation Test

  Chapter 10: Storytelling

  Chapter 11: Celestial Hierarchies

  Chapter 12: God’s Tidings

  Chapter 13: Creation

  Chapter 14: The Seduction of Lucifer

  Chapter 15: Beelzebub’s Offering

  Chapter 16: Lilith’s Uprising

  Chapter 17: Betrayed by Love

  Chapter 18: Judgment Day

  Chapter 19: Enemy Spy

  Chapter 20: Plan of Attack

  Chapter 21: Perils of the South Forest

  Chapter 22: The Climb to Mount Verve’s Summit

  Chapter 23: Gadreel’s Misgivings

  Chapter 24: Return to the East Forest

  Chapter 25: Mount Verve’s Labyrinth

  Chapter 26: Signal to Slaughter

  Book II

  Chapter 1: Lilith’s Fate

  Chapter 2: Gadreel’s Brutal Encounters

  Chapter 3: Allies reunite

  Chapter 4: The Angry Mountain

  Chapter 5: Cloudburst

  Chapter 6: Great Bird

  Chapter 7: Survival

  Chapter 8: White Nourishment

  Chapter 9: Pillar of Sand

  Chapter 10: Ice Cave

  Chapter 11: Gadreel’s Secret

  Chapter 12: Sweet Nutty Sustenance

  Chapter 13: The Shrill Sound

  Chapter 14: Transformations

  Chapter 15: Lucifer’s Fall

  Chapter 16: Fornues’ Curse

  Chapter 17: Beelzebub Destiny

  Chapter 18: Dagon’s Plunge from Grace

  Chapter 19: Sorrow and Desire

  Chapter 20: Beelzebub’s Cursed Love

  Chapter 21: Jealousy

  Chapter 22: Adventures of the Deep

  Chapter 23: Samael’s Story of Paradise

  Chapter 24: Dagon’s Sacrifice

  Chapter 25: Gadreel’s Tumble

  Chapter 26: Gravidity

  Chapter 27: Revelations

  Chapter 28: Forsaken

  Chapter 29: Gadreel’s Song

  Chapter 30: Falsehoods

  Chapter 31: Primordial

  Chapter 32: The Making of Pure Evil

  Chapter 33: Evil Omen

  Chapter 34: Possession

  Chapter 35: In Fornues’ Hulk

  Chapter 36: The Battle for Beelzebub

  Chapter 37: Burial at Sea

  Chapter 38: The Heartless Serpent

  Chapter 39: Misjudgment

  Chapter 40: Birth of the Inevitable

  Chapter 41: Lilith’s Illusive Design

  Chapter 42: Schemes Set in Motion

  Chapter 43: Tainted Innocence

  Chapter 44: Consumed for Love

  Chapter 45: Fruit of Wisdom

  Chapter 46: Gadreel’s Penitence

  Chapter 47: Lilith’s Nurturing Ways

  Chapter 48: The Life Force

  Chapter 49: Gadreel’s Song of Lament

  Chapter 50: Mass of Flesh

  Chapter 51: The Beginning of the End

  BOOK I

  Heaven

  Chapter 1

  In the Beginning

  Before He created the universe, God was present. Alone and bored in Heaven, He decided to create angels––celestial beings to serve as companions. When God formed them, He made them perfect. He then endowed them with free will so they might choose their own way, making them somewhat unpredictable––and more interesting.

  There are three realms of Heaven: Heaven Most High where God resides, Metá Heaven, and Floraison, the lowest realm of Heaven where God placed the angels. Different dimensions separate these realms and only God traveled between them as He pleased.

  The angels were child-like when God first made them. A delicate brilliance emanated from within each one. They were formed with two small white wings, which carried them across the vast expanse of Floraison quickly and without much effort.

  God clothed the angels because He desired to show distinction between the superior celestial beings and the other creatures that roamed the lowest realm of Heaven. There were many strict rules in God’s system of law, as He held angels at higher standards than any other creature. The two most important vows of an angel were obedience and celibacy.

  Although the young angels bore many similarities early on, they developed distinct personalities and traits due to their free will. God also promised each angel one or more special ability, which in time they would develop and learn to control. What divine skill they would acquire and when was as individual as they were.

  There was no need for a sun, moon, or stars to give Floraison light. God’s splendor lit the lowest realm, and the skies were beautiful beyond compare. There was no true darkness where the angels lived. In Floraison’s unit of time there was brillante, when the light was at its most intense and nightglow when at its dimmest.

  There were many trees and meadows adorned with colorful flowers that emitted fragrances evoking happiness and vigor. Magnificent creatures abounded, large and small––perfect in every way and pleasing to the senses. Some of these creatures were prototypes for beings God created on different planets, and others were unique to Floraison.

  The River of Life, a pure river with crystalline healing waters, flowed between realms and proceeded from God’s throne room. The chamber was accessed through a portal that led to Metá Heaven where God’s presence could be reached. Only by His expressed permission could one cross this portal. This hall was aglow with the most exquisite light ever seen, and it was in the throne room God passed laws and judgments.

  There were fruit trees, root vegetables, bush berries, and many more edible delights in Floraison, but the angels did not require food. These delicacies existed to teach them self-discipline since these foods were delicious, producing energy and much pleasure. They were only allowed to partake of the food during celebrations and after strenuous workouts. It required God’s consent. The young angels spent their early days getting to know one another and learning about God’s laws, nature, animals, the cosmos, and themselves.

  Lilith and Michael delighted in their home, for Floraison was exquisite and full of joy, most of the time.

  “I accept rules because they establish guidelines for action and con
duct,” Michael said with a solemn expression. “Rules create stability, discipline, and promote safety. Could you imagine what Beelzebub would be like had he no rules to follow?” Lilith glanced at Michael, the corners of her lips fighting a smile, her eyebrows slightly raised. Michael’s mouth twitched and soon they both burst into laughter.

  “Beelzebub would be a complete mess without rules. I know that,” Lilith said. “But still, I am not fond of the many rules set by God for our kind. You are an upholder while I am a questioner.”

  Michael puckered his brow. “How could one question God?”

  Lilith ignored his question. “I cannot wait for the day I discover the divine talents He has promised. I hope my abilities are godlike.” Perceiving the power of God, evident in all things, awakened in her mind an aspiration that consumed her. She was fired by the desire for divine power.

  Michael looked at her sideways. “You have always told me that you longed to be close to God––to be first in his eyes. How do you expect to rise to Heaven Most High if you question God’s laws?”

  “God does not want us to follow his laws without question. That is why he gave us free will, so that we may follow our own path.”

  Michael gazed into her peculiar yet beautiful eyes, one blue iris and one brown iris. “Perhaps one day I shall come to understand you.”

  “Sooner rather than later––I hope.” She gazed up at him through her long, dark lashes, giggled and grabbed his hand. “Come, let us go to Sonnoris.” Lilith enjoyed the marvels in Floraison all the while imagining the day she would create wonders of her own.

  Sonnoris was a scenic land densely populated in parts with many dwellings, but still open enough to allow for wide forested areas and marshes. There were green rolling hills, streams, and colorful gardens. The angels called Sonnoris home.

  Many angels gathered at Sonnoris to discuss the day’s events. They sat on grass, mossy ground, and flat rocks in a wooded area near a stream where towering weeping willows encircled them and formed a natural large, round chamber with a canopy overhead like a living gazebo. The angels took turn standing in the center of the gazebo and gave their accounts of the day.

  One such day, Lilith stood in the center and addressed the others. “I have noticed that many of you have undergone changes. Yes, we have grown in the fourteen spans of our existence and our wings have grown with us, but I mean changes of another sort. I have yet to receive God’s promised gift, but I am sure some of you already possess remarkable abilities. Come forth and tell us the gifts God has bestowed upon you.” She scanned their faces. Some of the angels sitting around her squirmed and lowered their eyes, looking anxious under her unrelenting stare.

  Hashmal jumped to his feet and tugged on Esar to stand with him. They moved to the center of the gazebo as Lilith sat by Michael. Lucifer glanced her way with a longing expression, but lowered his head when she caught his eye.

  Hashmal cleared his throat as he often did when addressing a crowd. “I sat alone on the lush green grasses of Triumph Gardens. Instead of studying, I stared at my fingers, as I often did when in a fog.” The surrounding angels laughed recognizing this to be so. “I was startled by a sound––a whimper I heard coming from nearby lilac bushes. I approached the thicket and saw a pair of enormous frog legs. I backed away but continued to stare at the large green ankles, soles, and webbed toes. Soft sobs emanated from the shrub, so I approached the intriguing lilac bushes once more to listen more closely. I knew frogs did not make sounds such as those.

  “I held my breath and parted the branches. That’s when I saw Esar sitting on the ground, holding his knees and rocking.

  “Flanking his head on both sides were long fuzzy llama ears. They pointed straight up through his dark curly hair, stemming from where his ears should be. Large frog legs had replaced his own, but the rest of his body remained in his likeness. It was the first time I had ever witnessed Esar’s bizarre shifting ability.”

  “How did you do that?” Lilith stared at Esar wild-eyed.

  Esar lifted his deep-set dark eyes, wet with despair, and shrugged.

  “Why do tears flow from your eyes? Does wearing frog and llama parts hurt?” Lilith asked.

  Esar shook his head. “No, it does not hurt, but it frightens me. I hid because these strange changes shamed me.”

  Michael rose to his feet and approached Esar. “There is no need to fear your ability, for God granted you this power. Nor is there reason to be embarrassed, and certainly not hide.” He touched foreheads with Esar, a sign of affection and returned to his place on the mossy grass next to Lilith.

  “I am not clear how this happened to me.” Esar said. “I saw a frog hop from lily pad to lily pad. Curious to know where it traveled to, I jumped into the pond after it, but the frog leaped rapidly, and I lost it. Soon afterward I spotted a llama, but by the time I reached the location where I had seen it, the creature had disappeared. This made me angry with myself for being so slow. Then llama ears sprang from my head, and my legs transformed into huge green ones.” He shrugged and began to demonstrate how he hopped to and fro on frog legs. The angels burst into laughter.

  Lilith stared at him as he hopped about, in awe of his strange litheness.

  Once Esar stopped bouncing, Hashmal placed a hand on his shoulder. “Well, it is an impressive skill to be able to shift into other beings. You should be grateful. Pray God gives you control of it soon.”

  Esar looked at him sideways. “You think it is impressive to have furry ears and webbed feet?”

  Hashmal chuckled. “Yes, you have a great talent.”

  Esar returned his smile and wiped his eyes. Hashmal put his arm over his shoulder and they sat.

  Raphael got to his feet and stood before the others. “I accidently stepped on a small bird that had fallen out of its nest.” His eyes were doleful. “It was dying. My heart ached with sorrow and guilt. When I lifted the bird, my hand took on a stellar glow. Words appeared in my mind’s eye, and I was compelled to read them aloud. Soon the small bird’s crushed body returned to its healthy form. Before long the small bird spread its wings and flew across the sky as if I had never injured it.”

  “You have the power to restore life?” Lilith’s eyes were large round spheres.

  “No, I have the gift of healing.” Raphael walked away from the center and sat on a flat rock.

  Lucifer jumped to his feet and swaggered toward the middle of the gazebo. “While training at Guidance Park I too discovered some of my abilities.” He grinned at Lilith. “I possess enhanced physical and mental abilities.”

  “How so?” Lilith leaned forward staring at him.

  Lucifer jutted his chin. “I am faster, stronger and overall superior to fellow members of our species.”

  “Are you saying there are no limits to your physical strength, speed or stamina?” Michael asked. He glanced at Lilith and saw her interest in Lucifer’s words. She listened with her whole body.

  “I am saying that I have yet to find my limits, and thus far I am more powerful than any other angel.” Lucifer raised an eyebrow. “Furthermore, I discovered that I have the ability to track any of you using my mind, I can also create a mental map of an area.”

  “I believe we all have some capability to navigate intuitively.” Michael crossed his arms.

  “Not at the range that I can.” Lucifer scowled at him and then turned away and gave the others a slight close-lipped smile.

  “How do you know this?” Michael squinted his eyes and waited for his response.

  “I just do.” Lucifer’s face turned an angry red.

  There was an uncomfortable silence as Michael and Lucifer scrutinized one another.

  Gabriel leapt from his seat. “Night glow is upon us. Perhaps we should get some rest for we know not what new trials the morrow shall bring.”

  “If it is God’s plan to test us, will resting in our bungalows prepare us?” Lucifer stood straighter, jeering. “I shall go to Guidance Park and continue to fortify the gifts giv
en to me. I suggest everyone do the same.” He lumbered across the gazebo and headed toward the park.

  Most of the angels followed him. Lilith got up to follow him also but Michael held her hand.

  “Please wait. May I speak frankly with you?” He cupped her hand with his other hand.

  “What is it?” Lilith looked into his green eyes and it was like diving into an emerald pool.

  He moved closer to her. “I do not want you to be afraid of what is to come. I shall always look after you and protect you. I desire that we always be together for I am most at home by your side.”

  “I shall look after you as well.” She leaned forward and touched her lips to his.

  Michael jumped back. “What are you doing?”

  Lilith gasped surprised by his reaction. “I only wanted to show affection.”

  “Show affection with words or by joining foreheads but not with actions such as that.” Michael scowled. “Why do you insist on disobeying the laws established by God?”

  “I question why we need such laws.” Lilith clapped her hands on her hips. “I believe God made a mistake giving us free will. How could we go our own way if His laws impede our path?”

  Michael stared at her in disbelief. “Why must you be so defiant? Do you not understand that we are a medium of God’s power and wisdom?”

  “If God were watching––”

  “God is everywhere and sees everything, Lilith!”

  “God cannot be everywhere at once––that’s why he created us and that’s why he needs us.” She pulled her hand from his and flounced toward Guidance Park.

  “Wait!” Michael clenched his jaw. “Do not be angry with me.”

  Lilith stopped and turned to him. “You told me we belonged together but cringe when I show the slightest affection.”

  A wary smile surfaced on Michael’s lips. “If I hurt you it is not what I intended. We cannot be together in that way––remember the laws. Obedience and celibacy are binding oaths that we as angels made to God. There would be serious repercussions if these vows were broken. If we are to ascend together to Heaven Most High we must abide by the laws.” He wrung his hands as she flounced away without a word.

  He watched her until she was out of sight and hung his head. A tightening and burning sensation in his chest made him rub it without thinking. After a while he woke from his sorrowful fog and decided to join the others at Guidance Park.