Discoveries

“So, this is what I get for trusting you.” The vitriol oozed from Cain’s words. His eyes burned with hate as he glared into her gold-flecked orbs. All he needed to do was pay attention, but that was something he didn’t want to do. It was only now, knowing the end was near, that he saw her for what she actually was—a demon.

Cain’s business consisted of buying and selling artifacts created by artisans from ancient civilizations. Most of his clients were museums and wealthy collectors. At periodic intervals, Cain took part in trade shows and showcased some standard items. For the rare items, he displayed detailed photographs while keeping the actual relics locked securely in a vault. Most revered of all his antiquities was a jewel-encrusted gold necklace created by a Sumerian artisan over three thousand years ago.

They met innocently enough, or so he thought. He was standing behind his display table when she strolled over from another booth. Cain did his best to appear unaffected by her stunning physique, dazzling smile, and gold-tinted eyes, the rarest of all human eye colorings. She feigned interest in a few of the items on display, then gravitated to the picture of the necklace.

“That’s the centerpiece of my collection. My pride and joy.”

“I’m sure it is. It draws me like a magnet and always has.”

Her voice was soft as a gentle evening breeze, its tone resonating in him like a violin solo. Cain thought her comment about the necklace was odd, but maybe she had seen pictures of it previously. That was a question for another time. Right now, he wanted to know more about her.

“I’ve never seen you at one of these shows before. Are you an antiquities collector?”

“Oh, I’ve gleaned a few items over the years, but never anything as lovely as your necklace. Did you know it was created for a specific woman by the most talented craftsman of his time?”

“It appears you’ve done your homework on this piece. I had no idea it was created for someone in particular. Did you happen to come across the lucky lady’s name?”

“Her name is Lilith, the same as mine.”

“Now that’s an interesting coincidence. You have a name that goes back to the beginning of time. Jewish mythology contains many stories about your namesake, and most of them are quite scary.”

“The same can be said for your name, Cain. I believe we all carry the legacy of the one that first bore our name. Do you have the necklace with you? I would very much like to see it.”

“I’m sorry Lilith, but I never take something that valuable to a show. I would be happy to let you look at it at my gallery after the show finishes today.”

Cain’s subconscious lunged for the words, trying to stop them from exiting his mouth, but to no avail. Somehow, he knew this lady was trouble, but he ignored what his survival sense was telling him and made the offer.

“That’s most generous of you, Cain, and your timing is perfect. I bet you didn’t know that the jewels are arranged in a specific pattern that will capture the energy from the moon and several planets when they are perfectly aligned. The last time the alignment occurred was two thousand years ago. It will happen again tonight. We can see if the legend is true together if you like.”

The show finished shortly after dusk. The cloudless evening sky was darkening into inky blackness, allowing the stars, planets, and moon to regale Earth with their brilliance. As they walked to Cain’s nearby storefront, conversation was unnecessary, and Lilith took Cain’s hand in hers. Cain felt a rush of adrenalin as her warm hand touched his. This was going to be a wonderful or terrifying evening.

Cain unlocked the back door, which opened directly into his office. Before he could turn on the light, Lilith passionately kissed him and whispered that the moon provided enough light.

“May I see the necklace now, Cain?”

“Of course, my dear.” It was impossible to refuse her anything now.

He opened the safe, withdrew the necklace, and presented it to her. What happened next both exhilarated and shocked him. She pulled a single string on her dress, which fell to the floor, revealing her perfect naked body. She placed the necklace around her neck and turned toward the moonbeams streaming in through the open door. The jewels pulsed with glowing energy.

Infused with an additional source of power, she turned to Cain.

“You killed my lover, Able. I’m here to avenge him.” She pointed a finger at him and a bolt of energy arced from it into Cain’s chest. Cain the man fell to the floor, but Cain the Immortal rose and returned an energy bolt of his own. They lifted into the night sky and battled until dawn with neither one gaining an advantage.

The Immortals separated, vowing to meet again one day. Cain also vowed never to ignore his subconscious voice again.