Ocean's Secret |on hold|

Prologue

Some few millennia in the past, before the dawn of time as we know it

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The light was magnificent and blinding; surging and radiating from the throne with more energy than could be comprehended. It's sheer strength and power forced one to involuntarily fall to their knees without a second's thought. Who could dare stand in the presence of the Almighty Jehovah, King of all kings, Lord of lords, anyway? Cyrus tried to breathe, but his heart was nearly bursting with pure joy, love, and adoration that his lungs had trouble expanding in his tightly-squeezed chest. He had never dreamed he'd be here, in the majestic throne room of Jehovah, but when the archangel Michael delivered the message that his presence was required, he felt a thrill of giddiness and longing rush through his entire being. The King of most high was requesting his presence. He had known his report would be given to Jehovah, but he had never expected to be giving it to Him first-hand.

His long-time friend, Silvana, had joined him in the golden corridors, the tiles a mosaic of precious gems, the walls decorated with rich, shimmering tapestries, and walked with him side by side to the throne room. Her long flowing gown swished around her ankles as it brushed the tiles lightly, but Cyrus could hear nothing save the thundering of his heart and the rushing of blood through his temples.

"This is it, Cyrus. Everything we've worked for, everything we've done, has all been for this moment. Soon Jehovah will commend us and confer His rewards," her smooth, deep voice spoke the words softly, yet rang with something other than the humility and honor coursing through Cyrus' veins.

"We didn't do it all for the reward, Silvana. We worked to serve our King, following his example of loving and giving to others. That is our reward."

A small smile played on her perfect features. "Maybe for you," her long lashes fluttered and dropped as they rounded the last corner before the throne room entrance came into view.

Cyrus gasped. The doors were flung open by two shining angels, and the light that shone forth instantly beckoned and warned simultaneously. Jehovah's love was in that light, reaching, searching for any soul who would return it, yet it held the warning that only the pure of heart could enter into His perfect presence. The intensity of Him crashed over them like a massive wave, the pressure of His majesty rolling over them, through them, into their very being. Cyrus was trembling as he placed one foot in front of the other and made his way through the tall pearlescent doors and into His presence, Silvana boldly striding alongside him.

He was on his knees with no other thought than that of sheer delight, basking in the limitless love and mercy of his Creator, his King.

"My faithful servants, I welcome and commend you," His voice thundered all around them, echoing in the vast room and ricocheting from the walls to their hearts. "Cyrus and Silvana, my precious creations, tell me of your works," His words pounded in their chests long after they had been spoken.

Cyrus dared lift his head, knowing he could never see the face of his Creator, but wanting to be as open and honest as could be, not hiding a shred of the thoughts and deeds in his heart and mind.

"I have done as You asked, my King. Everything You gave to me, I used to the best of my ability to help those in need and spread Your love, telling of Your forgiveness," he paused as a tear of some unknown emotion rolled down his cheek. Being here was indescribable, and no words could accurately express the feelings pounding through Cyrus' heart. "I know I'm not perfect, but...but I tried my hardest to live for You. I thank You for the opportunity to serve and love You."

"I know, my son. I am proud of you. Your reward will be great."

Cyrus could feel the smile that seemed to radiate from Jehovah.

Then He continued, "Silvana?"

She lifted her head with determination, not the deference that Cyrus had shown, "The gifts I received were amazing, Your Majesty. I used them with strength and tenacity, and my deeds were made known throughout the lands. My works to help those less-fortunate will live on even after I am gone, so great was the power flowing through me."

The throne room was enveloped in a deafening silence as Silvana finished speaking, and Cyrus waited with a breath held in check for their King to respond.

"And whose power were your works done through? Whose hand created the gifts you so eloquently wielded?" Thunder claps! Lightning bolts seemed to shatter the curtain of already dazzling light that surrounded them! Cyrus squeezed his eyes shut and could feel his heart pounding in reverential fear, not for himself but for his dear friend.

"Your power, my dear Lord, but-"

"And did they know that? Did those you so mercifully gave to understand the true Giver behind your wonderful talents?"

"I'm not-"

"Did they see Me when they looked to you in adoration? Did they draw nearer to My love and forgiveness as you showed them how to love and be loved?"

More than one tear was now slipping down Cyrus' cheek, and he knew it was from sadness. Silvana had had such potential.

"My King," Silvana's lips trembled slightly, "Everything I gave to them was because You first gave to me. I did as You asked."

"You know in your heart why you truly gave, my daughter, and you know I understand every thought, desire, and longing in your soul. I made you to feel these things, I gave you a choice, my Dearest. I have seen your purpose behind your actions. I have seen the darkness you failed to overcome," He paused as though His next words were hard to speak. "I will now give Cyrus the ability to create, to breathe a new world into existence."

Her eyes snapped up, and Cyrus couldn't help the sharp intake of breath as he saw something in those dark brown depths. A spark of self-righteousness, maybe conceit. He realised it wasn't new – there had always been a flash of rebellion lurking beneath her pretty lashes, but now this rebuke from their Creator seemed to fan the flame of self-destruction, and Cyrus thought he even saw a flicker of an orange glow in those irises. Jehovah had seen it too, had known all along what was in her heart and behind her actions.

"But, Your Majesty-"

"He will have the greatest reward of making whatever his heart desires, a heart that assuredly has flaws, but is righteous nonetheless. You may live peaceably in his land, but he will receive the title and honor I reserved for whomever I saw rightfully deserving of this reward. My decision is final," Jehovah's voice washed through them as though they were mere grains of sand on a shore by a vast sea, a sea that crashed and swelled, lapped and rippled with each turn of tide.

Silvana was almost glaring at their Creator. Tossing her long dark hair, she steadied her quivering lips and squared her shoulders against the weight of His purity. Rising from her knees, she turned on her heel and marched from the throne room without even a backward glance. She knew His gaze was burning right through her, probing her heart and soul, plumbing the depths of her character, reading her thoughts like they were lyrics written on papyrus, etched on the very walls of His dwelling. But she didn't care.

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Hey Everyone! Here is the beginning of my new story, the sequel to Ocean's Gateway (formerly known as The Perishing Land)! So if you haven't read that story, I recommend you do, as this one leads directly on from it :)
What do you think of this prologue? Are you interested in the story so far? We'll be seeing something of Meredee soon, seeing as she is the main character ;)
Thanks for reading  ♥ I always appreciate every vote and comment!
~Emmy